Israel Marks Nakba Day with Commemoration of 1948 Displacement of Palestinians
May 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Date: May 15
Commemoration of 1948 Event Marks 78 Years
Palestinians around the world are observing Nakba Day, a commemoration of the events that led to the displacement of approximately 800,000 people in 1948. The day marks the anniversary of the ‘Nakba’, or ‘catastrophe’, which refers to the forced migration of Palestinians from their homes.
The British government had established the foundations for this event by implementing policies aimed at reducing the number of Jewish immigrants arriving in Palestine. Following the end of World War II, Zionist militias began to take control of various areas of Palestine, leading to a violent conflict with Palestinian residents.
According to historical records, the violence resulted in significant displacement and loss of life among Palestinians. The exact number of people affected is estimated to be around 800,000, who were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.
Today, Nakba Day serves as a reminder of this pivotal event in modern history. Palestinians across the world are coming together to honor the memories of those who were displaced and to raise awareness about the ongoing impact of these events on Palestinian communities.
The commemoration is also an opportunity for Palestinians to reflect on their shared experiences and to reiterate their claims to their ancestral homeland, which they consider to be Palestine.
Source: Al Jazeera