For the second year in a row, Naqba’s anniversary comes during a period of exceptional difficulties as Palestinians in the Gaza Strip endure an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe amid 583 days of Israeli military attacks. According to the Palestinian News Network, the scene reflects the genocide and displacement of 1948, when hundreds of thousands were forced to uproot from their homes.
On the occupied West Bank, the situation remains miserable. Israeli forces continue to raid, demolish, arrest and act violently for almost a day, especially in refugee camps in Tulkarm and Jenin. Dozens of Palestinians were killed or injured, more than 40,000 people were evacuated, and extensive destruction of the infrastructure.
At 12:30pm, air sirens rang out across the Palestinian city for 77 seconds. This is one of the first years since Nakba. The citizens observed a moment of silence during the siren.
Thousands took part in the central meeting that began at the tomb of President Yassar Arafat and proceeded to Al Manala Square. Participants waving the Palestinian flag, raising the black flag, carrying the key to their iconic return.
The march was organized by the PLO Refugee Bureau and the High Commission Committee of Nakba Commemoration. Members of the PLO Executive Committee and members of the Fatah Central Committee, members of the Revolutionary Council, national facts, ministers and civil society representatives were present.
On behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, Vice-Speaker Fatah Mahmoud Al-Alur described Naqba as “the biggest crime in history” due to the scale of the massacres and forced evacuation inflicted on the Palestinians.
He said that the suffering of the Palestinians continues and Israel is trying to break their will and deny their rights. “But as always, we will fail in the face of the resilience and sacrifices of our people,” he said.
Al Aluru also highlighted the fierce tragedy of Gaza, “occupying children and women’s lives, committing genocide, imposing siege and starvation.” He added: “The massacre has also spread to the West Bank, and settlers are committing fearful acts of citizens, their lands, and Islamic and Christian holy sites under the protection of Israeli military.”
He further condemned the treatment of Israeli prisoners, of which dozens died in custody.
At another address, Ahmed Abu Houli, a member of the PLO Executive Committee and director of the Refugee Affairs, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Palestinians to their hometowns. “Palestine remains for the Palestinians,” he said. He vowed to resist the genocide, and vowed to force evacuation, demolish UNRWA, and destroy refugee camps.
Abu Hooli emphasized the innocent right to return and self-determination for Palestinians, as guaranteed under international law. He called on the international community to pressure Israel to stop the war in Gaza and attack in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Abu Hooli rejected any form of forced or voluntary transfer, annexation or colonization, thanking Egypt, Jordan, and other countries opposed to displacement.
MNA/