Gaza artists mark Palestine Land Day

More than 400 Palestinian artists from the Gaza Strip gathered in Al-Saraya Square in Gaza City on Monday to mark the 39th anniversary of Palestine Land Day. This was the day when the Palestinian population rose up against an Israeli plan to confiscate more than 5,100 acres of occupied territory for use by illegal Jewish settlements.

The Land Day uprising took place on 30 March 1976. The Israelis killed six Palestinian protesters and the people of Palestine have marked the day annually ever since.

The artists in Gaza, most of them less than 20 years old, gathered to use their talents to produce paintings which reflect the suffering of the Palestinians caused by Israel’s confiscation of land, the Apartheid Wall, daily attacks by settlers protected by the army and military offensives against civilians.

A number of other activities took place alongside the artists. Young dancers and singers performed several Palestinian folklore plays and songs, wearing traditional clothing.

Images by MEMO Photographer Mohammed Asad.