Palestinians hold mass protest as Israel celebrates 70th 'independence day'

Tens of thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel have held a mass protest as the country celebrates 70 years since the modern Jewish state was established.

The protesters gathered on Thursday in the displaced Arab village of Atlit in northern Israel to take part in a "March of Return", demonstration organiser Suleiman al-Fahmawi told The New Arab.

"This year's protest coincides with the return marches in the Gaza Strip calling for the right of return for refugees expelled from their homelands," Fahmawi said.

"Their independence day is our Nakba (catastrophe)," he said, referring to the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the establishment of Israel in 1948.

"We feel that the issue of refugees' right to return is currently a top priority in Palestinian politics," Fahmawi added.

Protester Rola Nasr Mizawi spoke about her personal experience with the cause.

"I am a refugee from the city of Bisan. Even though I was born after the Nakba, my mother is from there so I feel as if I am from the city as well," Mizawi said.

"My mother never spoke about Bisan or her displacement. For years she held in her sadness and pain,"

"As the second generation refugees we bare the responsibility to seek justice for this disaster," she added.

Palestinians have long claimed the right to return to homes or locations they were forced out of in 1948. Israel has rejected the demand.

On Wednesday, Israel kicked off celebrations for the 70th anniversary since the country's foundation.

Parks and beaches were packed with people celebrating Independence Day with barbecues and parties or by watching air force fly-bys.

This year, festivities come after Israeli forces killed 34 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others since mass protests began on March 30 in the besieged enclave of Gaza.

There have been no Israeli casualties.

European Union and UN chief Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation into the use of live fire against unarmed protesters.