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Every year in May, the people of Palestine enter a solemn season of remembrance marked by grief, resilience, and memories deeply etched into the hearts of millions.
It is a time to commemorate the Nakba, meaning “The Catastrophe”, the tragic events of 1948 that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians following the establishment of the State of Israel.
In one of the most painful chapters of modern Middle Eastern history, more than 700,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes and villages, while many others lost their lives amid violence and conflict that would later evolve into one of the world’s longest-running disputes.
Entire villages were erased, families scattered across refugee camps, and generations left carrying the burden of exile and the longing for a homeland they could no longer return to.
For many Palestinians, the Nakba is not merely a historical event confined to archives and textbooks. It remains a living memory passed from one generation to another, carried in stories of abandoned homes, fading family photographs, and old house keys preserved as symbols of identity, loss, and hope.
As Palestine marked the 78th anniversary of the Nakba on May 16, 2026, diplomats, government officials, and members of the international community gathered in Dar es Salaam to honor the victims and reflect on the urgent need for a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking during the commemoration, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Ngwaru Maghembe (MP), reaffirmed the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania’s full support for all United Nations Security Council resolutions and international diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Dr. Maghembe noted that Tanzania’s position on the Palestine-Israel issue continues to be guided by the principles of the country’s Non-Alignment Policy, emphasizing that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective path toward lasting peace.
“In this context, Tanzania continues to support United Nations Security Council resolutions and other international efforts intended to advance diplomatic dialogue and the implementation of agreements aimed at achieving peace between Palestine and Israel,” Dr. Maghembe stated.
He further emphasized that the most viable solution remains the implementation of the “Two-State Solution,” under which an independent State of Palestine would coexist peacefully and securely alongside the State of Israel.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Palestine to Tanzania, Salaam Abu Sharaar, said the Nakba commemoration continues to serve as a reminder to the world of the suffering and hardships endured by Palestinians for decades.
Ambassador Abu Sharaar noted that despite 78 years having passed since the Nakba, many Palestinians continue to live under difficult conditions marked by insecurity, displacement, and the denial of fundamental rights, calling for stronger international solidarity in advancing peace and justice for the Palestinian people.
He also expressed appreciation to Tanzania for its continued support for Palestine in international forums, describing Tanzania’s position in support of Palestinian statehood as an important symbol of diplomatic solidarity between the two nations.
In his remarks, the Ambassador stressed that despite the prolonged hardships, the Palestinian people continue to hold onto hope, while urging the international community to uphold human rights, respect international law, and strengthen efforts toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
The commemoration of the Nakba carries a message far beyond the memory of war and displacement. It serves as a reminder of the value of human dignity, the universal desire for peace, and the responsibility of the global community to pursue justice, reconciliation, and coexistence.
Even within the weight of painful memories, there remains a quiet but enduring belief that through diplomacy, sincere dialogue, and international unity, lasting peace can still be achieved.
