Smaller crowds, but many emotions on 70th anniversary of Palestine ‘Nakba’

World Today

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-GAZAMourners carry the body of Mohammed Dwedar a 27 year-old Palestinian killed during clashes along the Gaza border the previous day, during his funeral in Nusseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on May 15, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / MOHAMMED ABED)

Despite calls to observe the 70th anniversary of Nakba, when more than 700,000 Palestinians lost their lands to Israel in 1948, the crowds were smaller than anticipated.

CGTN’s Adel el Mahrouky reports.

On a normal day, this particular site at the Gaza-Israel would be packed with people. But because Gaza had seen the bloodiest day in four years on Monday, many were busying with funerals for those killed.

It’s usually a massive event here, but only a few came.

“I came alone because today we MUST remember our occupation,” protester Hamza Abo Alkas said. “We won’t forget the U.S. embassy moved to Jerusalem, but what can we say. I am in deep pain.”

Clashes resumed at the Gaza-Israel border on Tuesday, but on a smaller level. Protesters torched tires and threw rocks, as Israeli soldiers fired bullets and tear gas in return.

“The Jews have stolen our land, stolen our money and now they’re moving embassies to Jerusalem,” protester Mohamed Elewa said. “We remain resisting till we die, till his world ends, from now on its resistance till we die.”

A surprise visitor, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, came to the few people observing the Nakba anniversary. He called for the protests to continue until they establish their independent state.


Facebook Live from Gaza

Palestinians mark the 70th anniversary of the 1948 occupation. Adel el Mahrouky gave us this Facebook Live from the Gaza border with Israel.