On Wednesday, Palestinians marked the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, a term that translates to “catastrophe” in Arabic, commemorating the displacement of about 700,000 Palestinians during the founding of Israel in 1948. Observers noted a poignant parallel between their past and present conditions, particularly in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where violence and displacements continue to escalate.
In Gaza, tens of thousands have perished, and an enduring blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, threatening famine among the population. Israeli officials have indicated a desire to significantly decrease the Palestinian presence in the region following the outbreak of conflict after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
The situation is similarly dire in the West Bank, occupied since 1967. Israeli military actions have led to significant displacements of Palestinians from refugee camps, as noted during a recent military offensive described by the Israeli government as necessary to combat Palestinian armed groups.
In Ramallah, commemorative events featured Palestinian pride, with children participating while waving flags and carrying a large key symbolizing hopes of returning to ancestral homes lost in 1948. However, in Gaza, the ongoing conflict and destruction have left residents in despair, as highlighted by local voices like Malak Radwan, who described her home reduced to rubble.
Palestinians expressed their determination to uphold the right of return, a fundamental aspect of their identity and a critical point in the long-stalled peace negotiations with Israel. Participants in memorial activities voiced feelings of living through a “new Nakba” daily, emphasizing the continuous challenges they face.
Wasel Abu Yusef, an executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organization, reinforced this sentiment by stating that Palestinians remain steadfast in their commitment to the right of return despite the ongoing hardships.
The observance of Nakba Day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Palestinian people and their enduring hope for justice and peace in the face of adversity. The global community’s awareness of these events remains crucial as the situation continues to develop, and the humanitarian crisis deepens.