JERUSALEM (JTA) — Thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank marked the 65th anniversary of Israel’s founding, which they call Nakba, Arabic for “catastrophe,” with marches and protests.
Nakba Day observances are held annually on May 15.
A siren sounded for 65 minutes on Wednesday to commemorate the 65th year since the 1948 War of Independence. Ceremonies were held in the Palestinian cities of Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Kalkilya, Bethlehem, Jericho and others.
In Ramallah, Palestinians marched from the tomb of former Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat to the center of the city. Palestinian protesters carried signs, Palestinian flags, and both real and symbolic keys to property in Israel.
Some 25 Palestinians were arrested and several Israeli soldiers injured during clashes.
