Israel bans annual Nakba march

Israeli police have refused to grant a permit allowing Arab Israeli to mark Nakba Day, the day Israelis celebrate their country’s “independence”.

More than 1 million Palestinians were displaced in 1948
Relive the journey of Nakba refugees

Haaretz reported that police cited “they would not have enough resources to secure the event due to the holiday” as a result of Israel’s 69th Independence Day celebration which are being held on the same day.

The annual March of Return is held on the grounds of one of the Arab villages which was destroyed during the 1948 Nakba.

“We’re sure there’s a political motive,” attorney Wessam Areed, who submitted the request for the permit, told Haaretz. “We will insist on our right to mark the event and will commit to all the conditions to assure the wellbeing and security of the marchers.”