May 15, 2025, marks the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, a pivotal historical event that resulted in the large-scale displacement of approximately 957,000 Palestinians from their homes.
Prior to 1948, Palestine had a population of 1.4 million Palestinians distributed across 1,300 villages and cities. The mass expulsion that ensued was part of a broader process of demographic and territorial restructuring that continues to shape the socio-political landscape of the region.
This year’s commemoration coincides with an ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
To date, more than 52,928 individuals—primarily women and children—have been killed, and an additional 119,846 have sustained injuries. Thousands remain trapped beneath the rubble, illustrating the severity of the destruction and the enduring repercussions of prolonged armed conflict.
Commemorative activities are being held under the theme “We Will Not Leave… Palestine for the Palestinians.”
Events include a central march originating from the tomb of Yasser Arafat and proceeding toward Al-Manara Square, in Ramallah, preceded by a ceremonial wreath-laying.
A collective moment of silence—lasting precisely 77 seconds—is scheduled to follow the activation of a nationwide mourning siren, with participation from religious institutions through the ringing of church bells and calls to prayer from mosques.
Additionally, the Mahmoud Darwish Museum will host an exhibition featuring 77 pieces of artwork contributed by artists from historic Palestine and the diaspora, symbolizing each year since the Nakba.
The observance extends beyond Palestine’s borders, as Palestinian communities in refugee camps and the diaspora organize marches and vigils.
Participants carry banners bearing the names of their ancestral villages, along with Palestinian flags and symbols of return, such as the widely recognized Key of Return.
Palestinian expatriates worldwide are also engaging in public processions, reaffirming the principle that the right of return remains a fundamental and irrevocable entitlement under international law.
Historical records indicate that the displacement of Palestinians in 1948 was accompanied by extensive territorial reconfigurations.
Israeli forces depopulated of 774 Palestinian villages and cities, of which 531 were completely demolished.
The remaining Palestinian communities were subjected to military governance and restrictive policies. Documentation further reveals that this period was marked by systematic violence, including over 70 recorded massacres, resulting in the deaths of more than 15,000 Palestinians.
Seventy-seven years after the Nakba, the policies facilitating displacement and territorial reorganization persist.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza and the massive destructions and ongoing invasions in the West Bank, particularly since October 7, 2023, have intensified humanitarian and geopolitical concerns.
Despite the extensive displacement, demographic resilience is evident in population projections. While 957,000 Palestinians were expelled in 1948 and an additional 200,000 were displaced following the 1967 war, mid-2025 estimates indicate that Palestine’s population stands at approximately 5.5 million (3.4 million in the West Bank and 2.1 million in Gaza).
Notably, population figures for Gaza reflect a 10% reduction due to the fatalities and displacements incurred since October 2023.
Global Palestinian demographics further illustrate the scale of dispersion. As of 2025, approximately 15.2 million Palestinians reside worldwide, with over half living outside historical Palestine. Among these, 7.8 million are located abroad, including 6.5 million in Arab states.
Within Gaza, displacement has reached unprecedented levels. Civilians have endured repeated forced evacuations, relocating to makeshift shelters, schools, and encampments under increasingly dire humanitarian conditions.
Estimates suggest that nearly 2 million Palestinians—out of a pre-genocide population of 2.2 million—have been uprooted from their homes. Even within designated safe zones, persistent aerial bombardments have exacerbated civilian vulnerability and loss.
The Nakba remains not only a historical event but an ongoing reality. Its implications extend beyond forced migration, encompassing broader questions of national identity, self-determination, and international legal frameworks governing displacement and refugee rights.
The continued struggle of Palestinian communities underscores the need for sustained dialogue and policy interventions addressing both historical injustices and contemporary crises.
Seventy-seven years have passed since the Nakba, yet its wounds remain unhealed, carried in the memories and lived realities of millions of Palestinians.
The loss of home, the fragmentation of families, and the relentless struggle for dignity are not just stories of the past—they are experiences that continue to unfold in refugee camps, in besieged cities, and in the hearts of those longing to return.
And yet, through grief and hardship, the spirit of the Palestinian people endures. Their resilience is not simply an act of survival but a declaration of existence—an assertion that neither time nor oppression can erase their identity, their heritage, or their rightful place in their homeland.
Each protest, each vigil, each whispered prayer is a testament to an unbreakable will that refuses to surrender to injustice.
The Nakba is not just a chapter in history; it is a moral call to the world. It demands recognition, accountability, and a renewed commitment to justice—not only for those who suffered in 1948, but for every displaced Palestinian still yearning for home.
The right to return, the right to self-determination, and the right to live free from occupation and colonialism are not distant dreams—they are rights waiting to be fulfilled.
As the world bears witness to continued displacement, massacres and injustices, the need for humanity to prevail over division has never been more urgent.
The memory of the Nakba serves as both a solemn reminder of the suffering endured and a beacon of hope—hope that one day, those who were forced to flee will walk the land of their ancestors not as exiles, but as free people, standing upon the soil that has always belonged to them.
