Mariam Saleh from Maroun Al Ras



Tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees rallied through the southern border Lebanese town of Maroun Al Rass to commemorate what is known as the day of nakba. This rally was organized as the march of return to Palestine. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah told journalists that "this day would no longer be marked as a day of catastrophe of the loss of Palestine but rather the day the Palestinian people return to Palestine."

"The Palestinian people are on the road of resistance like the people of Lebanon, and our presence here in Maroun Al Ras which was liberated by the blood of martyrs and the resilience of the people is a clear proof."
Hundreds of Palestinian refugees ran towards the border fence in a clear challenge to "Israeli" threats, but were stopped by Lebanese army soldiers and were asked by the organizers to return for their safety and for fear of land mines.

Hamas representative told us that the presence of people and the number of people here at the rally specifically in Maroun Al Rass, which was steadfast against "Israeli" military might in the summer war of 2006, is not only symbolic but also a stance to show that the Palestinian people have chosen the path of resistance. The seats are already filled and the rally has not officially opened yet.

MP fadlallah also stated that the "Israeli" threats are not new and they would not stop the people from attending and supporting the resistance.