Beginning of the Nakba

During the Arab-Israeli war, a significant event known as the Nakba, meaning 'catastrophe' in Arabic, led to the displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians from their homes. This mass expulsion occurred amidst the conflict and has had profound implications for the Palestinian population. Many of those displaced sought refuge in neighboring Arab countries, including Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt. Additionally, a considerable number of Palestinians migrated to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. The Nakba also prompted a significant emigration of Palestinians to Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and various parts of Europe. Today, the impact of the Nakba is still felt, with around half of the Palestinian population living in the diaspora or as refugees. The ongoing conflict with Israel and subsequent wars have perpetuated this cycle of displacement and suffering, highlighting the enduring consequences of the Nakba on Palestinian identity and existence.