Israeli-Palestinian Tensions: 70th anniversary of Palestinian Nakba Day

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Europe

02:11

Violence continues in the Gaza border area, and the death toll has climbed to 60. On Tuesday, Palestinians marked the 70th anniversary of Israeli occupation. And the Gaza Strip witnessed dozens of funerals for the victims of Monday's clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces at the Gaza-Israel border. Adel EL Mahrouky has this report.

Devastated from Monday's deadly attacks, Palestinians have left this site, despite calls to observe the 70th anniversary of Nakba when more than 700,000 Palestinians lost their lands to Israel in 1948. It's usually a massive event here, but few came though.

HAMZA ABO ALKAS PALESTINIAN PROTESTER "I came alone because today we MUST remember our occupation, we won't forget the U.S. embassy moved to Jerusalem, but what can we say. I am in deep pain."

On Tuesday, clashes resumed at the Gaza-Israel border but on a smaller level. Protesters torched tires and threw rocks as Israeli soldiers fired bullets and tear gas in return.

MOHAMED ELEWA PALESTINIAN PROTESTER "The Jews have stolen our land, stolen our money and now they're moving embassies to Jerusalem. We remain resisting till we die, till his world ends, from now on it's resistance till we die."

A surprise visitor, Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh came to the few people observing the Nakba anniversary. He called for the protests to continue until they establish their independent state.

ADEL EL-MAHROUKY GAZA "On a regular day, this place at the Gaza fence border with Israel should have have been packed with people, but because on Monday Gaza has seen the bloodiest day in four years many people are busy with those killed."

In Gaza, people filled the streets attending funerals for those killed on Monday. It was the deadliest clashes at Gaza- Israel border since 2014.

AMA, CGTN, GAZA.