Palestine - Occupation, Refugees, Conflict

The Partition of Palestine and Its Aftermath

• After 1948, three major themes in the region:
  • Embattled Israel
  • Hostility from Arab neighbors
  • Plight of Arab refugees
• Displacement of Arab population due to the violent birth of Israel:
  • Driven out by Zionist military forces before May 15, 1948
  • Driven out by the Israeli army or fled due to fear of violence after that date
• Many wealthy merchants and urban notables fled to Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.
• Middle class moved to all-Arab towns like Nablus and Nazareth.
• Majority of fellahin ended up in refugee camps.
• Over 400 Arab villages disappeared, urban Arab life in coastal cities collapsed.
• Center of Palestinian life moved to the West Bank.
• Disputed population figures:
  • Original Arab population: ~1,400,000
  • Displaced Arabs during 1947-1949: 520,000 to 1,000,000 (consensus: 600,000 to 700,000)
  • 276,000 moved to the West Bank, 160,000 to 190,000 to the Gaza Strip, and over a fifth left Palestine.

The Term "Palestinian"

• Originally referred to Arabs of former mandated Palestine excluding Israel.
• Palestinian identity developed over 200 years, distinct concept recent.
• Pre-1948, term used mostly by Jews and foreigners.
• Post-1948, "Palestinian" signified shared past and nationalistic identity.

Diverging Histories for Palestinian Arabs

Palestinian Citizens of Israel

• 150,000 Arabs remained in Israel after its founding.
• Represented about one-eighth of all Palestinians and the Israeli population by 1952.
• Lived mostly in western Galilee.
• Land confiscation forced shift from agriculture to unskilled labor.
• Legally guaranteed equal rights but lived under restricted military jurisdiction until 1966.
• Israel obstructed Palestinian national consciousness through minority group engagement and education.

West Bank and Jordanian Palestinians

• Jordan used 1948-49 events to integrate Palestinians and expand territory.
• Palestinians became Jordanian citizens but faced tensions with original citizens.
• Palestinians constituted about two-thirds of Jordan's population.
• Political and social integration attempts faced difficulties due to differences.
• Majority supported radical pan-Arab and anti-Israeli policies.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

• Egyptian control of Gaza Strip (1948-1967) was repressive.
• Palestinians denied citizenship, leaving them stateless.
• Economic conditions were dire, many relied on UN aid.

UNRWA Camps

• Created by UN in December 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees.
• Established 53 camps, providing basic services but conditions remained harsh.
• Refugees experienced poverty and alienation.

Palestinians Outside Mandated Palestine

• Found employment in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Persian Gulf states.
• Few gained citizenship, often faced discrimination and restrictions on political activities.