78th Nakba Commemoration — Palestinians Mark Displacement of 700,000–750,000 in 1948

May 14, 2026 marks the 78th anniversary of Israeli independence and simultaneously the 78th Nakba (Catastrophe) — the day Palestinians commemorate the displacement of approximately 700,000–750,000 Palestinians from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Palestinians worldwide, including in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and the diaspora, held memorial events. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deployed heavily at Nakba Day demonstrations. The commemoration takes place against the backdrop of a new displacement crisis: a report released May 14 documented that Israel has displaced Palestinians 2.8 million times in a single year — a cumulative figure reflecting the scale of repeated forced displacement across Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA, which serves 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees worldwide, has been banned from operating in Israel since January 2025 and faces severe funding shortfalls. Israel's Knesset has formally passed legislation banning UNRWA, arguing the agency perpetuates refugee status. The 78th Nakba anniversary is being marked as the Gaza population continues to live under ceasefire conditions characterized by ongoing Israeli military operations, widespread destruction, and severe humanitarian restrictions.