A Palestinian policeman places a national flag in front of Israeli soldiers during clashes on land confiscated by the Israeli army to open a road for Jewish settlers. AFP
A Palestinian policeman places a national flag in front of Israeli soldiers during clashes on land confiscated by the Israeli army to open a road for Jewish settlers. AFP

1976 - Origins of Land Day

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Updated 29 April 2025
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1976 - Origins of Land Day

1976 - Origins of Land Day
  • The continuing struggle by Palestinian citizens of Israel to reclaim their land

AMMAN: Land Day, observed annually on March 30, commemorates a pivotal moment in Palestinian history when, in 1976, six unarmed Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed by Israeli forces during protests against government expropriation of Arab-owned land in the Galilee. 

This event not only marked the first mass mobilization of Palestinians within Israel since 1948, it also underscored their enduring struggle over land rights and identity. 

The original Land Day protests on March 30, 1976, were triggered by the Israeli government’s plans to confiscate about 20,000 dunams (2,000 hectares) of land in the Galilee region of northern Israel. The land targeted for expropriation, in villages such as Sakhnin, Arraba and Deir Hanna, was owned predominantly by Palestinian citizens of Israel. 

This large-scale confiscation of land was part of a broader Israeli policy, “Judaization of the Galilee,” which aimed to increase the Jewish population in the region and reduce the proportion of Arab-owned land.

Land Day also reflected an unresolved historical injustice. During the Nakba in 1948, two predominantly Christian Palestinian villages in northern Israel, Iqrit and Biram, were forcibly depopulated. The Israeli army promised the residents, who had become Israeli citizens and have continued to live in Israel, that they would be able to return to their homes after a brief evacuation they said was necessary for security reasons. However, they were never allowed to return; instead, the villages were destroyed and lands expropriated by the Israeli state. 

The villagers of Iqrit and Biram, and their descendants, continue to campaign for their right to return, and the two lost villages remain enduring symbols of the broader Palestinian fight for land rights.

How we wrote it




Arab News commemorated the 75th Nakba anniversary with a front-page headline “Struggle continues.” 

The significance of Land Day extends beyond the events of 1976. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between the Palestinian people and their ancestral lands, a bond that has been continually threatened by Israeli policies designed to alter the historical demographic and geographic landscapes of Palestine. 
In the years since that first Land Day, the Israeli government has continued to implement policies that result in the appropriation of Palestinian land. These actions include the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the construction of the separation barrier, and the designation of state land in areas traditionally used by Palestinian communities.  
The response to these policies has been multifaceted, encompassing legal challenges, grassroots activism and international advocacy. 
Palestinian citizens of Israel, alongside those in the occupied territories and the diaspora, have utilized Land Day as a platform through which to highlight issues of land dispossession and call for justice and equality. The day has become a unifying event, fostering solidarity among Palestinians across geographic and political divides. 
However, the challenges remain formidable. The Israeli legal and political system often favors the interests of the state and settlers, making it difficult for Palestinians to reclaim confiscated land or to prevent further expropriations.
 
Key Dates
  •  
    1

    Israeli parliament amends Law on Property Tax, making owners of land liable for an annual tax equal to 2.5 percent of the value of the land. The intention is to impel Arab property owners to sell their land.

    Timeline Image July 1972

  •  
    2

    Israeli government officially announces the “Judaization of the Galilee” project to increase the Jewish population and communities in the Galilee, a region inside Israel with an Arab majority.

  •  
    3

    Israel orders the confiscation of 2,000 hectares of land belonging to Palestinian citizens of Israel in the Galilee.

    Timeline Image March 11, 1976

  •  
    4

    6 unarmed Palestinians killed and more than 100 injured by Israeli forces during protests against confiscation of Palestinian land.

    Timeline Image March 30, 1976

  •  
    5

    Likud government comes to power; establishment of settlements throughout the West Bank begins.

    Timeline Image May 17, 1977

  •  
    6

    Israel’s parliament approves controversial law to retroactively “legalize” illegal Jewish outposts built on privately owned Palestinian land.

Israeli laws have facilitated settlement expansions, provided legal protections to settlers, and enabled land appropriation, often at the expense of Palestinian rights. The Legal and Administrative Matters Law of 1970, for example, enacted after the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, permits Jewish individuals to reclaim properties that were owned by Jews in that area before 1948, even if Palestinians have lived there for decades since then. However, Palestinians are not granted the same right to reclaim properties they owned in West Jerusalem, or elsewhere in Israel, before the 1948 war. 
The Sheikh Jarrah evictions of 2021, a catalyst for the 11-day war between Palestinians and Israelis that year, showed how Palestinian communities remain under threat of eviction in East Jerusalem under Israeli laws. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favor of settlers when it decided that Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah could remain there only if they paid rent to settlers, effectively recognizing the settlers’ claims of ownership of properties before 1948. 
Moreover, international responses to such developments often have been limited to statements of concern, with little in the way of tangible action in an attempt to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their policies, including those related to the issues of land expropriation, illegal settlements and displacement. 
In recent years, Land Day has taken on additional layers of meaning, particularly in the context of the Great March of Return protests that began in 2018 in the Gaza Strip. These demonstrations, which called for the right of return for Palestinian refugees and an end to the blockade of Gaza, met with significant violence from Israeli forces, resulting in numerous casualties.




Palestinians march in protest against seizure of Palestinian land by Jewish settlers outside West Bank village of Asira al-Qibiliya. AFP

Furthermore, the actions of Palestinian citizens of Israel in Galilee have failed to produce a genuine reckoning within Israeli society of the historical and ongoing injustices perpetrated against those Palestinians. This includes a failure to acknowledge the systemic discrimination and dispossession that have characterized state policies, or to work toward achieving genuine equality and reconciliation. 
The events of 1976, which marked the first mass Palestinian mobilization since 1948, underscored the power of solidarity across political, religious and ideological divides. This unity has remained a cornerstone of the struggle, reinforcing the idea that only through collective efforts can discriminatory policies be effectively challenged and rights asserted. 
The lessons of Land Day also emphasize the importance of strategic and persistent resistance, locally and internationally. The global attention garnered by the protests in 1976 showcased the significance of peaceful, organized activism in amplifying the Palestinian cause. It also underscored the necessity of political mobilization to address systemic discrimination and secure equal rights. 
For Palestinians in Israel and beyond, Land Day is an occasion that encapsulates both the pain of loss and the hope for a future in which peace and justice prevails. 
  • Daoud Kuttab is a columnist for Arab News, specializing in Middle Eastern, and more specifically, Palestinian affairs. He is the author of the book “State of Palestine NOW: Practical and logical arguments for the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.” 

19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan

19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan
Updated 4 min 7 sec ago
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19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan

19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan
  • Oil tanker caught fire in southwestern Nushki district on April 28
  • Police say investigating possibility of negligence in oil tanker blast 

QUETTA, Pakistan: The death toll from an oil tanker blast in southwest Pakistan jumped to 19, officials said Monday, a week after the incident.

Crowds had gathered to douse the flames of the burning tanker after it pulled over near a market, when it exploded.More than 40 people were injured, many of them transported to the mega city of Karachi for treatment.

“The death toll climbs to 19,” local police official Muhammad Hasan Mengal told AFP.

The incident happened on April 28 in Nushki, a district of Balochistan province. 

He said police were investigating the possibility of negligence.


Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff

Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff
Updated 5 min 22 sec ago
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Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff

Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff
  • Moody’s Ratings said escalating frictions with India would weigh on Pakistan’s economic growth, impair access to external financing
  • Last week, according to media reports, India raised concerns with the IMF on its loans to Pakistan, asking for a review of bailout

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday urged the international community to prevent ‘spoilers’ from obstructing its path to economic growth as Moody’s Ratings said escalating frictions between New Delhi and Islamabad could weigh on Pakistan’s economic growth and impair access to external financing.

Dar’s comments came in the wake of New Delhi blaming Islamabad for a deadly attack on domestic tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish the backers of the attack “beyond their imagination” and fears have been rising that India might carry our surgical strikes or special forces raids along the de facto border that divides the disputed Kashmir valley between the two nations. Pakistan has denied involvement in last Tuesday’s attack but has warned it will hit back if it is targeted.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Regional Dialogue 2025 organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, Dar, who is also the foreign minister, said Pakistan was endowed with rich natural and human resources and an enormous economic potential, located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, and wanted to “capitalize on these inherent advantages for the prosperity and betterment of our people and that of the region.”

“We have prioritized geo-economics as one of the cardinal pillars of our engagement with our international partners. We are determined to enhance regional connectivity, and increase bilateral and multilateral developmental partnerships for socio-economic uplift,” the foreign minister said.

“To achieve these goals, we are desirous of peace in the region and beyond. At a time when we are headed on the path of economic stability, we do not want any distractions from our people-centric development agenda.”

He said he hoped the international community would help Islamabad achieve its goals, and prevent any spoilers in the region “from obstructing our path to peace and prosperity.”

The recent standoff with India has come as Pakistan treads a tricky and narrow path to economic recovery. 

On Monday, Moody’s Ratings said tensions between India and Pakistan would impair Pakistan’s economic growth and access to external financing. The ratings agency said persistent tensions could pressure Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, though it did not expect a full-scale military conflict.

Pakistan secured a $7 billion bailout program from the IMF last year and was granted a new $1.3 billion climate resilience loan in March.

The program is critical to the $350 billion economy and Pakistan said it has stabilized under the bailout that helped it stave off a default threat.

Last week, according to media reports, India raised concerns with the IMF on its loans to Pakistan, asking for a review. 

The adviser to Pakistan’s finance minister has said the IMF program is “well on track.”

“The latest review has been done well and we are completely on track,” adviser Khurram Schehzad, told Reuters last week, adding that Pakistan had very productive spring meetings with financial institutions in Washington.

“We did about 70 meetings ... interest has been very high for investing and supporting Pakistan as the economy turns around,” Schehzad said.

The soaring tensions between the two countries have drawn global attention and calls for cooling tempers.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday Washington hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down Pakistan-based assailants.

Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, but each rules it in part.

-With input from Reuters


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 11 min 42 sec ago
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch

Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch
Updated 17 min 40 sec ago
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Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch

Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch

DUBAI: Riyadh-based Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez flew to New York this week to mark the launch of a new product by British cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury.

Rodriguez also stars in a campaign for the brand, which she previewed on social media late last week.

“Super Nudes are my contour SUPER POWER! Had the most incredible time working on this campaign with @CharlotteTilbury! You need to try her new Super Nudes Contour System - it’s like Shapewear for your face (sic),” the model captioned an Instagram post about the new contouring makeup product.  

Rodriguez then flew to New York to attend a launch event hosted by the brand before posing for photos in Times Square.

Rodriguez, who moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 alongside her longtime partner Cristiano Ronaldo, has been making headlines as of late with a number of advertising campaigns.

Most recently, Ronaldo and Rodriguez appeared together in a new campaign for Saudi Arabia’s luxury cruise line, Aroya Cruises. 

In the video, the pair exchange a lighthearted moment in Arabic, with Rodriguez saying “yalla” after selecting the cruise on her phone and Ronaldo replying with a cheerful “yalla,” meaning “let’s go.” 

The campaign then transitions into scenes of the couple exploring the cruise experience, showcasing panoramic sea views, luxurious interiors, and their private accommodation on board.

She is also known for giving fans a peek into her life in Saudi Arabia through her Instagram account. One standout moment in April was a close-up photo highlighting her Arabic tattoo, which reads: “Keep all evil away from us, Amen.” 

Rodriguez also shares snippets of her personal routine in Riyadh and recently shared a short video of herself practicing salsa dancing. “Third salsa class in Riyadh,” she wrote in Spanish.

The posts are part of her continued documentation of life in Saudi Arabia, where she lives with football star Ronaldo and their children.

In addition to her lifestyle content and brand campaigns, Rodriguez has also taken part in humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, she visited the King Fahd National Centre for Children’s Cancer to support young patients.

 


DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea

DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea
Updated 22 min 24 sec ago
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DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea

DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea
  • 6-under 66 by the American helped secure the individual and team titles in Incheon

INCHEON: Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau finally converted a 36-hole lead into a LIV Golf victory on Sunday but his teammate Charles Howell III did not make it easy for him.

DeChambeau countered Howell’s final-round nine-under 63 with a six-under 66 in a spirited back-nine final-group duel to win the individual title by two shots at LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play.

His Crushers made it a sweep of the trophies at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea by rallying past Smash GC to win the team title.

“Charles and I had a great battle out there,” said DeChambeau, who finished at 19 under. “He never wavered today. It was fun and we had a great time today, but it was intense. Super-intense.”

The individual victory is DeChambeau’s third in LIV Golf, but his first since 2023 — and his first after entering the final round with the lead.

Recent Sundays have ended in disappointment, both in the previous two LIV Golf events in Miami and Mexico City in which DeChambeau led after 36 holes, as well as last month’s Masters in which he led with 16 holes left.

He entered Sunday with a healthy four-shot lead, but Howell — starting the day five back — opened with three consecutive birdies and was four under at the turn. Meanwhile, DeChambeau suffered his only bogey of the week at the par-four sixth and made the turn at even par, his lead reduced to one.

While other players sought to make some noise — 4Aces GC’s Thomas Pieters birdied five of his first six holes while Smash’s Talor Gooch finished strong — the individual title eventually came down to the two Crushers teammates and close friends.

Both turned up the heat on the back nine, with DeChambeau making birdies on four of his next six holes while Howell strung together five consecutive birdies. With three holes remaining, the two were tied at 17 under.

But Howell suffered his only bogey of the day after his tee shot found a fairway bunker at the 16th. DeChambeau followed by creating breathing room at the 17th, rolling in a 15-meter birdie putt before letting out a roar and pumping his fists.

DeChambeau then managed to stay out of trouble — barely — with his tee shot at the par-five 18th, ending the round with a birdie and a big sigh of relief.

“I feel like I’ve been playing some great golf, but I just haven’t gotten the job done,” DeChambeau said.

“That was a lot of tension. Just glad I was able to step up to the plate and get it done. … I was personally pretty nervous on the front nine for whatever reason. … Finally on 17, the bubble burst and I felt really good.”

For Howell, the performance confirms he is back from the stress fracture in his left tibia that knocked him out of action for three months in the middle of last season. The solo second is his first podium result since winning in Mayakoba to start the 2023 season.

“I knew today would be a tough day to catch Bryson and even to try to beat him, but I gave it my best,” Howell said. “I definitely would’ve thought nine-under would have done it, and clearly it didn’t.”

“Any time you shoot nine-under par in the last group, and you still don’t win, it’s a tough day,” he added.