Palestinians in Gaza mark anniversary of 1948 mass expulsion

Palestinians in Gaza marked the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, Arabic for 'catastrophe', on Friday. This commemoration refers to the mass expulsion and flight of approximately 750,000 Palestinians from what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. For individuals like Yusuf Abu Hamam, whose family fled the village of al-Joura in 1948, the anniversary is marked by the remnants of their former homes, with al-Joura having been demolished by the Israeli military and now vanished under neighborhoods of Ashqelon and a national park. The current war in Gaza has also resulted in buildings in the Shati Camp being razed and wrecked by Israeli bombardment and demolitions over the past 2.5 years. This is the third Nakba commemoration since the current conflict in Gaza began.

Palestinians in Gaza are marking the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, or "catastrophe," which refers to the 1948 expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians. For the third time since the current war began, survivors and their descendants are commemorating this event amidst widespread destruction and displacement. Many, like 78-year-old Yusuf Abu Hamam, who was forced from his village in 1948, describe the current situation in Gaza as a worse catastrophe. The majority of Gaza's population is now confined to a small fraction of the territory, facing dire living conditions due to ongoing Israeli bombardment and demolitions. This year's commemoration highlights the enduring impact of displacement and the ongoing suffering in Gaza.