Palestinian citizens of Israel commemorated the 78th anniversary of the Nakba (Palestinian catastrophe) under the slogan “Their Independence Day is Our Nakba,” amid restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on public events.
The commemoration included marches and activities in several depopulated villages, alongside widespread calls for participation. However, the Israeli authorities banned the central unity march, organised annually since 1998 by the Association for the Defence of the Rights of the Displaced.
Former head of the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, Muhammad Barakeh said in a press statement that “the current situation is not related to exceptional security circumstances, but rather reflects a historical reality that has persisted since the establishment of Israel at the expense of the Palestinian and Arab presence.”
“This land has its own authentic narrative and its people who have never left its heart. Their connection to it transcends time, governed by longing and belonging” he added.
Barakeh said that the presence of Palestinians in their depopulated villages is “a natural act reflecting their right and a clear message that they are always destined to return.”
The Association for the Defence of the Rights of the Displaced announced that this year’s “March of Return” will be held digitally via social media platforms at 6:00 PM, after suspending the in-person march due to strict restrictions and systematic obstacles.
In a statement, the association said the decision followed months of preparation under conditions that limited participation and imposed restrictive permit requirements, stressing that suspending the in-person march does not affect the Palestinians’ historical right of return to their lands.
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