Why Palestinians commemorate Land Day every March 30

World Today

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-GAZAPalestinian protestors stand near the Israeli border fence during a protest calling for the right to return, east of Gaza City on April 6, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / MAHMUD HAMS)

Large protests near the border fence with Israel have rocked the Gaza Strip.

Israel has been accused of using excessive force after the killing of at least 30 Palestinians, among them a Gaza-based Palestinian journalist who was wearing a PRESS vest.

The U.N. and the EU have called for an independent investigation into the deaths of the Palestinians.

Israel defended itself by claiming the militant group that controls Gaza, Hamas, is behind the demonstrations under the guise of a civil protest.

But every year since 1976, Palestinians have taken to the streets on March 30 to mark Land Day.