The Gaza War: Palestinians Mark Nakba Anniversary Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the Gaza war continues to rage on, Palestinians marked the anniversary of the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” which refers to the mass displacement that occurred during the creation of the state of Israel 76 years ago. The events of that year saw around 760,000 Palestinians forced to flee or being driven from their homes, a tragedy that continues to be mourned by Palestinians worldwide.
In cities across the Israeli-occupied West Bank, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets, waving Palestinian flags, wearing keffiyeh scarves, and holding up symbolic keys as reminders of their long-lost family homes. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Israel-Hamas war has been ongoing for more than seven months, has only added to the sense of loss and displacement felt by many Palestinians.
For Mohammed Al-Farra, a displaced Gaza man whose family fled their home in Khan Younis for the coastal area of Al-Mawasi, the current situation is particularly dire. He described the current situation as the worst ever, stating that it is much harder than the Nakba of 1948. The impact of the conflict on children, in particular, has been devastating, with many suddenly losing all comforts and luxuries overnight.
In cities like Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron, Palestinians gathered to denounce the occupation and protest the ongoing war in Gaza. Manal Sarhan, a protester with relatives in Israeli jails who have not been heard from since the start of the conflict, expressed the pain and anguish felt by many Palestinians. She stated that they are living through the Nakba a second time, highlighting the ongoing trauma and suffering experienced by Palestinians.
The commemoration of the Nakba anniversary comes at a time when the Gaza war has led to a massive death toll and forced the displacement of most of the territory’s 2.4 million people. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached devastating levels, with the UN warning of looming famine in the north. The ongoing conflict has only exacerbated the already dire situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza, adding to their sense of loss and despair.
As Palestinians continue to commemorate the Nakba anniversary and protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the international community must not turn a blind eye to their suffering. It is crucial for world leaders to take action to end the violence and address the root causes of the conflict, in order to bring about a lasting and just resolution for all parties involved. Only through meaningful dialogue and a commitment to peace can the cycle of violence and displacement be broken, allowing Palestinians to finally achieve justice and dignity.