An Arab-Israeli girl holds a Palestinian flag as she marches for the right of return for Palestinian refugees who fled their homes or were expelled during the 1948 war or as Palestinians refer to it Al-Nakba, that followed the creation of the state of Israel, near the southern Israeli Bedouin of Rahat on May 12, 2016 (AFP) 

Thousands of Arab Israeli protesters marched in favour of a right of return of millions of Palestinians on Thursday, the same day Israel celebrated its independence.

The Israelis of Palestinian origin were seen carrying Palestinian flags and others holding up signs demanding the right to return for refugees at the rally in the Negev desert.

Organisers said it was the first time such a demonstration has been held in the Negev.

Israeli Jews, in contrast, celebrated in public parties in two very different sets of reactions to the 68th anniversary of Israel's founding.