The 1948 Palestinian Exodus (Nakba): Displacement and Refuge

The establishment of Israel in 1948 triggered the mass displacement of Palestinians, known as the Nakba ("Catastrophe"). It was not a voluntary migration but a result of armed conflict, forced expulsions, and destruction of villages.

• Scale: The UN estimated ~700,000 Palestinians became refugees.
• Destinations: Most fled to neighboring Arab countries—Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip (then under Egyptian control).
• Refugee Camps: Host countries established camps that became semi-permanent settlements; many refugees and descendants remain there today.

The Nakba remains a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with ongoing debates about the right of return and refugee status.