77 Years Later, Palestinians Commemorate Nakba Amid Ongoing Violence

RAMALLAH, West Bank — On May 15, Palestinians held marches in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah to mark the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” which refers to the mass dispossession of their people during the formation of Israel in 1948. This anniversary comes amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza, where more than 50,000 lives have been lost since October 2023 due to conflict.

In Ramallah, over 50,000 attendees waved Palestinian flags and displayed black flags with the word “return” emblazoned on them. Schoolchildren were bused to the city center to join in the weeklong observance of Nakba Day. At one demonstration, young boys in traditional kuffiyeh scarves waved flags and carried a large replica key, symbolizing hopes of returning to their ancestral homes.

Meanwhile, Gaza experiences severe strife with no events scheduled for Nakba Day. Moamen al-Sherbini from Khan Younis expressed to AFP, “Our lives here in Gaza have become one long Nakba,” referring to the loss of loved ones and homes throughout the ongoing conflict.

The Nakba Day commemorations underline persistent calls for the right of return for Palestinian refugees. Estimates suggest that around 750,000 Palestinians were either fled or were expelled from their homes in 1948, a sentiment echoed by both young and old during marches.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, as recent violence has led to even more displacement. With ongoing Israeli military operations, reports indicate that Israel’s security cabinet has approved an expanded offensive aimed at displacing more Palestinians.

On the same day, airstrikes in Gaza resulted in over 100 deaths, with local health officials confirming most casualties were women and children. Al Jazeera’s reporter described the scene as chaotic, with families fleeing their homes following sudden military evacuation orders. “There is no safe place for these people; the so-called shelters have already been destroyed,” one reporter noted.

Malak Radwan, a resident of Gaza, reflected on the significance of Nakba Day, stating, “This is a miserable day in the lives of Palestinian refugees.” Nael Nakhleh, who traced his family roots back to the village of al-Majdal near Jaffa, emphasized the enduring call for the right of return as essential in ongoing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

In a climate of uncertainty and fear, President Donald Trump recently suggested potential changes for Gaza, proposing the area be developed into a “freedom zone” under U.S. control. Amid these developments, many Palestinians speculate if any part of their homeland will remain intact.