RAMALLAH, May 15, 2012 (WAFA) –Thousands of Palestinians rallied throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip Tuesday marking Nakba day and calling for the right of return for Palestinians who were forced to leave their homes in 1948.

Palestinians stood in silence for 64 seconds counting the number of years since their dispersion and uprooting from their homeland as sirens sounded across major Palestinian cities to commemorate the Palestinian Nakba or catastrophe.

Confrontations broke out between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers at Qalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, in front of Ofer prison, west of Ramallah, and at several other locations throughout the West Bank. Dozens were hurt in the confrontations, mainly from inhaling tear gas and some from rubber bullets.

Israeli soldiers arrested a number of Palestinian and international activists and used force to break up demonstrations across the West Bank.

Palestinians inside Israel observed a general strike to mark the Nakba as Israeli police was put on high alert in anticipation of outbreak of violence.

Thousands of Palestinians marched in Gaza streets raising Palestinian flags, holding banners and chanting slogans demanding right of return for refugees.

M.H./M.S.