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Protests took place around the world over the weekend, as demonstrators gathered to commemorate the upcoming 76th anniversary of the Nakba and to demand an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The Nakba, which means "catastrophe" in Arabic, marks the forced removal of approximately 750,000 Palestinians from their homes in preparation for the establishment of Israel in 1948.

According to reports, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Palestinian civilians were massacred by Jewish militias, leading hundreds of thousands to flee their homes as documented by the United Nations. While the Nakba is not believed to have occurred on a single day, May 15th has become widely recognized as a day of remembrance.

This year's Nakba anniversary coincided with the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the loss of over 35,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by local health officials. Israel launched its offensive in response to the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks, which left 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

Last week, despite warnings from the United States, the Israeli army ordered around 100,000 people to evacuate Rafah, further displacing Palestinians who fear permanent expulsion from their land, echoing the events of 1948.

Protesters gathered in cities across the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, raising Palestinian flags and calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Demonstrators also demanded the right for displaced Palestinians to return to their ancestral homes.

Additional protests are planned in several more countries, including Wales, Germany, and Belgium, in the coming days.

In Brooklyn, New York, hundreds of people assembled at the Barclays Center on Saturday, urging an end to what they say is a genocide in Gaza. The demonstrators also called on the U.S. to halt arms shipments to Israel, despite a recent decision to block the delivery of bombs due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed invasion of Rafah.

With chants of "We want justice. You know how? Stop bombing Rafah now," protesters attracted attention. An arrest operation conducted by the New York City Police Department led to more than 160 people being detained during the protest.

Hamed Yaghi and Souad Yaghi, siblings from Connecticut, participated in the Brooklyn rally to honor the victims of the Nakba, which they believe remains largely unknown. Hamed Yaghi, 20 years old, expressed hope that the protest would encourage others to learn about the history of Palestine.

Similar demonstrations were observed in various locations. In Seattle, protesters gathered at Westlake Park, chanting, "Hey hey, ho ho, the occupation has got to go." Bristol and London in the United Kingdom also witnessed gatherings, with signs reading "Free Palestine" being carried by Bristol protesters. In Northamptonshire, activists waved Palestinian flags in solidarity.

In Montreal, Canada, hundreds rallied at Westmount Square, urging an end to the conflict in Gaza. Demonstrators in Toronto gathered near the U.S. Consulate, while in Melbourne, Australia, protesters assembled at State Library Victoria. Amsterdam saw activists displaying a large Palestinian flag in the city center, and New Plymouth, New Zealand, participants emphasized their opposition to the genocide. Auckland witnessed a call for a "free Palestine" at Aotea Square, accompanied by the sounds of instruments like drums and saxophones.

While opinions continue to be divided on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, these global protests showcase the ongoing support for the Palestinian cause and the push for a peaceful resolution in the region.