Historical documentation of the Palestinian catastrophe: the systematic ethnic cleansing, mass displacement, and destruction of Palestinian society during the establishment of Israel. Over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes, and approximately 530 villages were destroyed.
The Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe") refers to the systematic ethnic cleansing and mass displacement of Palestinians during 1947-1950. As documented by Israeli historian Ilan Pappé and others using declassified Israeli archives, this was not a spontaneous result of war but a deliberate strategy implemented through Plan Dalet. The Nakba represents the foundational trauma of Palestinian experience and continues today through ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, and denial of refugee rights. Understanding the Nakba is essential for comprehending the roots of the Palestinian struggle for justice, equality, and the right of return.
Historical documentation of the Palestinian catastrophe: the systematic ethnic cleansing, mass displacement, and destruction of Palestinian society during the establishment of Israel. Over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes, and approximately 530 villages were destroyed.
The Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe") refers to the systematic ethnic cleansing and mass displacement of Palestinians during 1947-1950. As documented by Israeli historian Ilan Pappé and others using declassified Israeli archives, this was not a spontaneous result of war but a deliberate strategy implemented through Plan Dalet. The Nakba represents the foundational trauma of Palestinian experience and continues today through ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, and denial of refugee rights. Understanding the Nakba is essential for comprehending the roots of the Palestinian struggle for justice, equality, and the right of return.
Over 750,000 Palestinians displaced (75% of Palestinian population)
Approximately 530 Palestinian villages and towns destroyed
+5 more outcomes & impacts
The United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution 181, recommending the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Despite Jews constituting only one-third of the population and owning less than 6% of the land, the plan allocates 55% of Palestine to the proposed Jewish state.
Zionist forces attack the village of Baldat al-Sheikh near Haifa, killing up to 70 Palestinian civilians. This represents one of the first major massacres in the systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing that preceded Israeli statehood.
Zionist Haganah forces bomb the Semiramis Hotel in Jerusalem's Katamon neighborhood, killing 24 Palestinian civilians including women and children. The attack was part of a campaign to terrorize Palestinian urban populations.
Zionist Palmach forces attack the village of Sa'sa' in northern Palestine, blowing up 16 houses with their inhabitants inside and killing 60 Palestinians, including many women and children.
The Haganah leadership formally adopts Plan Dalet, a comprehensive military strategy for the systematic expulsion of Palestinians from areas designated for the Jewish state and beyond. This plan serves as the blueprint for ethnic cleansing operations.
Irgun and Stern Gang paramilitaries, coordinating with Haganah forces, massacre at least 107 Palestinian villagers in Deir Yassin, a village that had signed a non-aggression pact with Zionist forces. The systematic killing included women, children, and elderly civilians.
After intense bombardment and psychological warfare, Haifa falls to Zionist forces. The majority of Haifa's 70,000 Palestinian residents flee in panic, marking the beginning of mass Palestinian displacement.
Following heavy bombardment and siege, Jaffa falls to Zionist forces. The ancient Palestinian port city is nearly emptied of its Arab population through forced displacement.
David Ben-Gurion declares the establishment of the State of Israel at the Tel Aviv Museum. The declaration comes as Zionist forces have already depopulated hundreds of Palestinian villages and towns through systematic ethnic cleansing.
Arab armies from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq enter Palestine following the end of the British Mandate. However, by this time, Zionist forces have already expelled approximately 400,000 Palestinians.
Israeli Alexandroni Brigade forces capture the coastal village of Tantura and massacre between 70-200 Palestinian villagers. The massacre was covered up for decades until revealed by Israeli historian Teddy Katz.
Israeli forces, under direct orders from Ben-Gurion and carried out by Yitzhak Rabin, expel approximately 50,000 Palestinian residents of Lydda (Lod) and Ramle. Forced to march in extreme heat without water, hundreds die in what becomes known as the "Death March."
Israeli forces massacre between 80-100 Palestinians in the village of Al-Dawayima in the Jerusalem hills. UN observers described finding children's bodies with crushed skulls and evidence of systematic killing.
Israel launches Operation Hiram, completing the conquest of the Galilee region and forcing the remaining Palestinian population to flee to Lebanon and Syria.
The UN General Assembly passes Resolution 194, affirming the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and receive compensation. This resolution establishes the legal foundation for Palestinian refugee rights.
The Israel-Syria Armistice Agreement is signed, completing the armistice agreements between Israel and Arab states. By this time, over 750,000 Palestinians have been displaced and approximately 530 Palestinian villages destroyed.
Israel passes the Absentee Property Law, legally confiscating the property of Palestinian refugees and internally displaced persons. This law institutionalizes the theft of Palestinian land and property.