Between 1947 and 1949, approximately 800,000 Palestinians were forced to flee from their homes during the creation of the state of Israel. During this time, an estimated 13,000 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces, and 531 Palestinian villages were destroyed. This violence was deliberately planned and enacted by Zionist leaders to establish a majority-Jewish state in Historic Palestine, leading to what is known as “the nakba” or “the catastrophe.”
The Ongoing Palestinian Refugee Crisis
Today, 73 years later, the Palestinian refugee crisis persists. There are currently 19 refugee camps in the West Bank and dozens more in surrounding Arab countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. More than 7 million Palestinian refugees exist today, including descendants of those displaced in 1948.
UNRWA and Its Role in Supporting Refugees
The Palestinian refugee crisis is similar to other protracted refugee crises, with several generations of refugees being acknowledged by the UN. Today, 5.7 million Palestinian refugees are registered with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), responsible for providing education, healthcare, and other services.
The Challenges Faced by UNRWA and the Role of Popular Committees
Palestinian refugees face limited protections under UNWRA, and many believe the agency is no longer capable of providing necessary services. Local governance systems, known as Popular Committees, have emerged in refugee camps to fill these gaps, helping to manage facilities and coordinate resources.
The Evolution of Refugee Camps and the Right of Return
When the first refugee camps were established, many Palestinians believed their stay would be temporary. As time passed, concrete buildings replaced tents, though many resisted this as it symbolized permanence. Despite this, Palestinians maintain their Right of Return and view the camps as both living spaces and assertions of their right to return.
Legal Support for the Right of Return
Article 13 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and UN General Assembly Resolution 194 affirm the right of Palestinians to return to their homes. However, the state of Israel continues to prevent their return despite international law.
Ongoing Displacement and Palestinian Sumud (Steadfastness)
The Nakba is not a single historical event but an ongoing process tied to settler-colonialism and occupation. Despite ongoing violence and hardship, Palestinians remain resilient, embracing the concept of sumud (steadfastness) and finding joy and happiness even within the refugee camps.
