By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ Dr. Ola Awad, President of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), shed light on the challenges faced by the Palestinian people on the 76th Annual Commemoration of the Palestinian Nakba, observed on May 15th. Through statistical figures and findings, Dr. Awad reviewed the geographical, demographical, and economic conditions of the Palestinian population.

The Nakba, a continuous process of ethnic cleansing and displacement, resulted in the uprooting of over 1 million Palestinians from their homes and lands in 1948, with the majority seeking refuge in neighboring Arab countries, the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and beyond. Dr. Awad emphasized the systematic destruction of Palestinian villages and towns, with over 70 massacres perpetrated by Zionist forces during the Nakba.

Since 1948, more than 134,000 Palestinians and Arabs have lost their lives, with recent aggression in Gaza Strip resulting in over 35,000 casualties. Israeli settlements in the West Bank continue to expand, reaching 745,467 settlers by the end of 2022, exacerbating the plight of the Palestinian population. The Israeli occupation's aggression against Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023, has led to widespread destruction, with over 31,000 buildings demolished and initial direct losses estimated at USD 30 billion. The population of Gaza Strip faces severe water and famine crises, with 70% at risk of famine and drastic reductions in water consumption. Despite the challenges, the Palestinian population has doubled approximately 10 times since 1948, with Palestinians now constituting 50.3% of the population in historical Palestine. However, the Israeli occupation continues to control over 85% of the total land, further disenfranchising Palestinians. Dr. Awad highlighted the need for international attention and support to address the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people, including the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, and the continuous violation of Palestinian rights. (Source: Embassy of Palestine)