Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Toronto on Saturday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, which translates to "the Catastrophe" in Arabic. This annual observance marks the period when approximately 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes or fled during the 1948 war that led to the establishment of Israel. The event saw increased calls for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza, reflecting widespread concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The demonstration began around 2:00 p.m. at Sankofa Square, previously known as Yonge-Dundas Square, where participants marched through Toronto's downtown area. Many attendees donned Keffiyehs and carried Palestinian flags, while chants of "free Palestine" echoed through the streets alongside calls to end Zionism. The event was marked by a strong sense of solidarity with the Palestinian plight, emphasizing the historical context of displacement and suffering since 1948.
According to the Toronto Police Service, two individuals were arrested near the demonstration, though it remains unclear whether they were part of the protest. One man was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon, specifically a wooden sword, while the other was taken into custody for breach of peace. Additional details regarding these arrests were not disclosed by authorities.
The Nakba demonstrations are part of a larger mobilization effort occurring in over 15 North American cities. Organizers underscored the historical context of Palestinian suffering, stating that for 77 years, Palestinians have faced ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and systematic deprivation of their rights and lands. They highlighted the ongoing injustices that have continued and escalated over the decades.
This year's commemoration occurred amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the resumption of violent conflict following the breakdown of a ceasefire in March 2025. Reports indicated that Israel launched a significant ground operation in Gaza, resulting in over 150 Palestinian fatalities in just 24 hours, including at least four children from the Jabaliya refugee camp, as reported by al-Awda Hospital.
In parallel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed a negotiating team to remain in Qatar for indirect talks with Hamas. This group still holds 58 of the roughly 250 hostages taken during their attack on Israel on October 7, with concerns about the welfare of at least three hostages believed to be alive.
The impact of the ongoing conflict has been devastating, with Gaza's health ministry reporting at least 53,000 Palestinian deaths and over 119,000 injuries since the war commenced 19 months ago. The current situation has drawn significant international attention and amplified calls for urgent humanitarian support for those affected by the violence.
– With files from the Associated Press.
