Global Demonstrations Commemorate ‘Nakba Day’ with Pro-Palestinian Protests
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have organized rallies worldwide to mark "Nakba Day," holding events in major cities globally to commemorate the occasion.
Nakba, an Arabic term translating to “catastrophe,” denotes the large-scale displacement and loss faced by Palestinians 77 years ago, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to extensive destruction across the region, resulting in the loss of over 53,000 lives and displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with concerns mounting over the potential onset of widespread famine.
A sense of apprehension looms among Palestinians and a global audience, as they brace for the possibility of history’s tragic events unfolding once more on an amplified scale.
In New York City, demonstrators advocating for Palestinian rights took to the streets in large numbers to mark the 77th anniversary of the Nakba. The protestors also voiced strong opposition to the US administration’s unwavering support for what they describe as the continuation of genocide in Gaza.
In Melbourne, Australia, thousands participated in a protest on Sunday to commemorate Nakba Day. Organizers of the event stated, “We mourn and reflect on the violent ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians during 1948 and reinforce their right to return.”
A significant assembly convened at the State Library before making their way towards St Kilda Beach, passing by the US consulate en route. “We’re marking 77 years since the catastrophe… I felt inclined to come and show solidarity,” stated Fouad Chamma, a participant in the rally.
In Amsterdam, Netherlands, pro-Palestinian protesters organized a march on Saturday, moving through the city’s streets while chanting and displaying Palestinian flags. Participants carried signs with messages including “The 1 percent kill the 99 for profit,” “Stop killing kids,” and “Stop the murderer Netanyahu.”
Subsequently, attendees gathered at Dam Square to listen to addresses delivered by the event’s organizers and participants.
A protester expressed concern over Israel’s recent increase in ground offensive activities, which have resulted in significant casualties. The individual emphasized the importance of mobilizing and organizing efforts to influence public opinion domestically.
A protestor voiced strong criticism of what was described as Israel’s “intentional strategy to target” humanitarian workers in Gaza, and denounced the Dutch government’s ongoing backing of the Israeli administration.
In the Spanish capital of Madrid, demonstrators in support of Palestine gathered once more, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian community. The rally was organized to commemorate the anniversary of Nakba.
In Stockholm, Sweden, a significant gathering took place at Odenplan Square, as thousands rallied in response to appeals from numerous civil society organizations to protest against Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Demonstrators raised Palestinian flags, showcased images of deceased children, and held placards with the message, “End the Zionist regime’s genocide in Palestine.”
In Austria’s second-largest city, Graz, demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday to express their opposition to what they describe as ethnic cleansing and forced displacement affecting Palestinians.
In London, demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags and some wearing keffiyehs assembled on Westminster Bridge in commemoration of the anniversary marking the mass displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.
Protesters in London voiced their opposition with chants including “Stop the genocide in Gaza,” “Free Palestine,” and “Israel is a terror state,” as tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict continue to escalate.
In Dublin, Ireland, demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause unfolded as protesters gathered to commemorate Nakba. They urgently called for an immediate halt to what they described as genocide in Gaza.
In recent days, Italy has witnessed pro-Palestinian demonstrations unfolding nationwide.
On Saturday, demonstrators in support of Palestinians marched through the streets of Rome, Milan, and Florence to express their solidarity with the residents of Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place in various German cities, with participants assembling at Potsdamer Platz. The demonstrators were seen waving flags and carrying signs that read, “Your silence is complicity” and “You cannot kill us all.”
A rally saw the presence of women dressed in traditional attire, carrying visuals themed around Nakba.
In Germany, law enforcement officers engaged in a violent confrontation with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, leading to several arrests.
In Athens, Greece, demonstrators donning keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags organized a march towards the embassies of the United States and Israel.
In Lebanon, Palestinian refugees marked the 77th anniversary of Nakba with solemn remembrance. Participants highlighted their enduring conviction of an eventual return to their homeland, Palestine, a hope that persists despite facing continued genocide, atrocities, and conspiracies.
Demonstrators have called for an immediate halt to what they describe as the Israeli regime’s genocidal conflict against Palestinians in Gaza and other regions.
May 15 is globally recognized as Nakba Day, a day that observes the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians from their homes in the aftermath of the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948.
