Al Nakba

Today marks 77 years since May 15, 1948 – the day Palestinians refer to as Al-Nakba, or "the catastrophe".

The date marks the beginning of a large-scale displacement of the Palestinian people following the establishment of the state of Israel. Around 750,000 Palestinians – approximately 80% of the population in what would become Israel – were expelled, displaced or forced to flee their homes. The expulsions were initially carried out by Zionist paramilitary groups using various violent methods, and later by the Israeli military after the state's founding.

During the 1948 expulsion, numerous massacres were committed against Palestinian civilians, including women and children. Over 13,000 Palestinians were killed, and more than 500 towns, villages, and communities with Palestinian majorities were depopulated or destroyed.

Since 1948, Palestinians have seen their access to land, freedom, and security steadily diminish – a reality that continues to shape their lives to this day.