Palestinians Mark Nakba Day

Palestinians and Arab Israelis are commemorating “Nakba” day to mark the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians after the state of Israel was established in 1948.

Palestinians observe “Nakba”, which means “catastrophe,” with demonstrations every year on May 15, the day after the anniversary of Israel’s creation. Israel uses the Hebrew calendar and therefore celebrated its 64th anniversary on April 26 this year.

More than 700,000 Palestinians are estimated to have fled or been forced to leave their homes during the war that followed Israel’s declaration of statehood in 1948.

The anniversary comes just hours after hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails agreed to end a weeks-long hunger strike in exchange for promises of better conditions.

Israel Prisons Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman confirmed late Monday that a deal had been reached. The deal averts fears of widespread unrest if any of the inmates had died from the strike.

Egypt and Jordan played key roles in mediating between the Israelis and prison leaders representing all Palestinian factions.

The Palestinians won key concessions, including more family visits and limits to a controversial Israeli policy that can imprison people for years without charge.