Thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel participated in a rally and “March of Return” yesterday to commemorate the Nakba, chanting “Your ‘independence’ day is our Nakba” as Israel marked its 66th Independence Day. With flags raised high, singing the Palestinian national anthem, reportedly between 10,000 to 15,000 participants (including non-Palestinian supporters) marched to Lubya, a Palestinian village in the district of Tiberias that was ethnically cleansed and turned to rubble during the Nakba. Marchers called for unity and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Some marchers took to Twitter documenting the event:

#Lubya #MarchOfReturn Palestinian national anthem and hundreds of Palestinian flags waving. Beautiful. — Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu) May 6, 2014

On the road to Lubya marchers passed an exhibition of photography by Mohammad Badarneh.

On the road to #Lubya photo exhibition by Mohammad Badarne on refugees and return. pic.twitter.com/zDyS5V1fl6 — Abir Kopty (@AbirKopty) May 6, 2014

#Lubya #MarchOfReturn chanting for unity and against attempts to recruit to Israel army — Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu) May 6, 2014

AFP reports Israeli FM Lieberman slammed Palestinian citizens of Israel as a “fifth column” over the Nakba protest: