Palestinians in the Middle East commemorate Nakba amid Israel-Hamas conflict

Palestinians across the Middle East are commemorating the anniversary of the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” which marks the mass expulsion of 700,000 Palestinians from what is now Israel during the 1948 war. This year’s anniversary comes at a time of heightened concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 550,000 people have been newly displaced in the latest conflict triggered by Hamas’ attack into Israel.

The Nakba is a painful memory for Palestinians, many of whom were forced to flee their homes and have been living in refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the West Bank. In Gaza, the majority of the population consists of refugees and their descendants who were pushed out of central and southern Israel.

Israel rejects the Palestinians’ right of return, fearing that it would result in a Palestinian majority within its borders. The ongoing conflict has led to a devastating toll on both sides, with heavy fighting in Gaza resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.

The latest war began with Hamas’ attack into southern Israel, leading to a massive Israeli military response that has displaced thousands and caused widespread hunger and suffering. The situation in Gaza has been described as a “full-blown famine” by the UN, with over 35,000 Palestinians killed and the region facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

Israeli forces have launched operations in Rafah, seizing control of the crossing into Egypt and engaging in battles with Hamas fighters. The capture of the crossing has disrupted humanitarian aid efforts and strained relations with Egypt, threatening the two countries’ peace treaty.

Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The continued violence and displacement have left many Palestinians with no end in sight to their suffering and displacement.

As Palestinians mark the Nakba anniversary, the world watches with concern as the conflict in Gaza escalates, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The need for a lasting peace and a resolution to the decades-old conflict remains elusive, as both sides continue to suffer the consequences of war.