Nakba Day Commemorations Turn Violent Across Palestinian Territories
Palestinians marking 52nd anniversary of their 'catastrophe' clash with Israeli forces, leaving five dead and hundreds wounded.
Five Palestinians were killed and hundreds wounded today as commemorations of the 52nd anniversary of the Nakba (“catastrophe”) erupted into violent clashes with Israeli security forces across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and inside Israel.
The violence began when thousands of Palestinians marched to Israeli checkpoints and confrontation points, demanding the right of return for refugees displaced during Israel’s 1948 independence war. Israeli forces responded with live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas.
The deadliest clashes occurred at the Ayosh junction near Ramallah, where Israeli troops fired on stone-throwing demonstrators, killing three Palestinians. Two others died in Gaza during protests near Israeli settlements.
This year’s Nakba commemorations carried special significance as Israeli-Palestinian final status talks approach the refugee issue. An estimated 3.7 million Palestinians claim refugee status, with most demanding the right to return to homes in what is now Israel.
“We will never forget our stolen homeland,” declared Arafat at a Ramallah rally. “The right of return is sacred and non-negotiable.” Israeli leaders reject any large-scale return, arguing it would demographically destroy the Jewish state.
The unprecedented violence during Nakba Day reflects growing Palestinian frustration with the peace process. With the September deadline for a final agreement approaching, fundamental gaps remain on refugees, Jerusalem, and settlements, raising fears that failed negotiations could trigger widespread unrest.