TOKYO -- Protesters took to the streets of Shibuya March 30, recognized as Palestine's "Land Day," calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and massacres in the Gaza Strip.

Participants held Palestinian flags and raised their voices in protest, chanting "Do not break the ceasefire" and "Give back Palestinian land."

Land Day commemorates the events of March 30, 1976, when six Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli troops over the forced confiscation of land. Every year on this day, resistance movements take place in various locations to remember the incident.

Meanwhile, the monthlong Ramadan has ended in Islamic countries and Gaza, and the Muslim people are celebrating the festive period that also started March 30.

A male participant in the Shibuya protest with Palestinian roots expressed his anger, saying, "In Palestine, where food and other supplies are difficult to obtain, it is impossible to celebrate. My family, like last year, cannot feel any sense of joy. Israel is using hunger as a weapon."

The Israeli military has continued its attacks on Gaza, and the ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19 has effectively collapsed, leaving residents still in the midst of war.

(Japanese original by Daisuke Wada, Photo Group)