Palestinians in Gaza participated in a rally marking the 46th anniversary of Palestinian Land Day near the fishermen’s port in Gaza City.
Land Day, celebrated on March 30 each year, is a crucial date in the Palestinian collective memory. It dates back to 1976 when six Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army during demonstrations staged against Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian land.
Every year, a variety of rallies and activities are scheduled across the occupied Palestinian territories.
In Gaza, celebrations started a few days ago, with a rally near the fence separating besieged Gaza from Israel.
On Tuesday, a massive rally was held at the fishermen’s port, in the presence of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians also gathered in the streets waving Palestinian flags and photos of political prisoners.
The Palestine Chronicle talked to one of the women about the importance of this national celebration.
“On our Land Day, it is the duty of the Palestinian people to show our strength and resist the occupation,” the woman said.
“Israelis believe that old Palestinians will forget their right of return and that young people do not know the true value of freedom. But here we are, old and young, all together, saying out loud that we shall return to our home. And that, despite the hardship and suffering we have to endure every day, we will fight for freedom and liberate our occupied homeland.”
Land Day represents an opportunity to commemorate the tragic events of 1976 but also to reiterate that Palestinians are still united in their struggle for freedom and justice.
(All Photos: Mahmoud Ajjour, The Palestine Chronicle)
