SIPTU marked the upcoming UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People by raising the flag of Palestine, along with the Irish tricolour, outside Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Friday, 27th November. A United Nations flag is also on display at Liberty Hall to mark the day of solidarity. The flags were raised during a short ceremony at lunchtime attended by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Ahmad Abdelrazek, and SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor. “For almost five decades Palestinians have endured oppression and occupation of their land. They feel deep frustration that the possibility of peace and the establishment of a viable independent Palestinian State is vanishing. There remains an urgent need for meaningful negotiations which can guarantee that Palestinians and Israelis can co-exist in peace. ” Jack O’Connor said. Jack O’Connor added: “On the occasion of the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, the international community has an obligation to give hope to Palestinians that the future holds a just and peaceful end to the occupation of their lands. It is also the international community’s joint obligation to work towards a solution which is acceptable to both Palestinians and Israelis.” The UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will be commemorated on Sunday, 29th November. Established in 1977, the day marks the international community’s commitment to “the attainment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right of return and the right to national independence and sovereignty in Palestine.” Next year, SIPTU will be undertaking a major campaign calling for the liberation of the Palestinian people and to make 2016 the year for the creation of a Palestinian State.