Gaza Observes Land Day Amid Tensions Over Territorys Future

Gaza City Residents Mark Land Day Amidst Ongoing Challenges

In Gaza City, residents gathered to commemorate Land Day, a national holiday that marks the 1976 protests against Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian land. The event has become an important moment in Palestinian national consciousness, renewing the bond between the people and the lands they lost decades ago.

Sawsan al-Jadba, a 54-year-old resident, sat on her remaining plot of land, which is approximately 600 square meters in size. She inherited three plots of land from her father, but most of it was seized by Israel’s military demarcation line, known as the “yellow line.” The line divides more than half of Gaza’s territory and has made it difficult for al-Jadba to access her land.

Al-Jadba’s family was displaced during the 2023 war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Her home was destroyed, and most of her land became inaccessible due to the “yellow line.” Despite this, she remains determined to stay on her land with her daughters and grandchildren. She cultivates her remaining plot again, despite limited resources.

For al-Jadba, land is not just a memory or symbolism but a daily experience of loss and attachment. The event has become closely linked to the past when six unarmed Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces during protests against Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian land in 1976. Today, Land Day commemorations focus on renewing the connection between Palestinians and their lost lands.

Following a ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October 2025, al-Jadba returned to check on her land. She found that most of it had been bulldozed, but she was relieved to find some remaining crops. Al-Jadba has decided to continue farming as an act of survival and daily resistance.

The latest war took from al-Jadba not only her land but also two of her sons. Despite the hardships and scarce resources, she remains committed to holding on to her land. “I will stay on my land until the very last moment,” she said. The anniversary of Land Day comes amid harsher conditions for Gaza residents, but al-Jadba’s determination serves as a testament to their resilience.

Public demonstrations and official commemorations are part of traditional Land Day celebrations. However, this year’s event takes place amidst challenging circumstances.

Source: Al Jazeera