Nakba by the Numbers
1947-1949
76 Years of Displacement.
76 Years of Resistance.
The Nakba — the Arabic word for “catastrophe” — began in 1948 with the violent displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and lands. But the Nakba is not a moment in history. It is an ongoing reality.
From occupied Jerusalem to besieged Gaza, from refugee camps to exile abroad, Palestinians continue to endure forced displacement, military aggression, apartheid, and the denial of their fundamental rights. The genocide unfolding in Gaza today is not separate from the Nakba — it is its continuation.
Palestinians being displaced, 1948.
Palestinian refugees in Ein El Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon, 1948.
Why We Remember
To honour the lives lost, the villages destroyed, the families uprooted, then and now
To resist the erasure of Palestinian history and identity
To stand in solidarity with a people still fighting for dignity, justice, and return
This Nakba Day, let’s move from memory to mobilisation.
Together, we can honour the past by fighting for a just and liberated future.
Mobilise
Join upcoming Nakba events, campaigns, and advocacy actions held by our partners and local communities
Demand
An immediate ceasefire, an end to occupation, safe passage and visa pathways for Palestinians coming to Australia & allow unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Nakba?
The Nakba, meaning “Catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948, when approximately 80% of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes, and over 530 towns and villages were destroyed.
2. When is Nakba Day commemorated?
Nakba Day is observed annually on 15 May, marking the date in 1948 when the State of Israel was declared, following the mass displacement of Palestinians.
3. What led to the Nakba?
The Nakba is rooted in political Zionism — a European settler colonial movement that began Jewish migration to Palestine in 1882 with the aim of establishing a Jewish state, culminating in violent expulsions between 1947 and 1949.
4. What happened during the Nakba?
Zionist militias such as Irgun and the Stern Gang carried out massacres, rapes, looting, and bombings. Over 15,000 Palestinians were killed, and over 800,000 were expelled. Many towns were either destroyed or seized and renamed by incoming Jewish settlers.
5. What are some of the most well-known massacres of the Nakba?
Two of the most infamous massacres include:
- Deir Yassin (outside Jerusalem)
- Tantura, where over 200 Palestinians were killed
6. Where did the expelled Palestinians go?
Most became refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, and the West Bank, while others became internally displaced within Palestine. Those who attempted to return were often killed.
7. Is the Nakba only a historical event?
No. The Nakba is ongoing. Since 1948, Palestinians have continued to face displacement, land theft, and apartheid policies. Israel has continued to expand settlements and enforce laws that marginalise Palestinians.
8. What is the Absentee’s Property Law?
Enacted by Israel in 1950, this law allowed the state to confiscate the homes, land, and property of Palestinian refugees. Even their bank accounts and personal belongings were seized.
9. What impact did the Land Acquisitions Law have?
It enabled the Israeli state to take over the majority of the Palestinian economy and land — over 739,000 agricultural acres, 73,000 homes, and 7800 workshops, significantly lowering the cost of resettling Jewish families.
10. Why doesn’t Israel have official borders or a constitution?
Israel has not declared official borders or a constitution, as its expansionist settler-colonial ideology continues to push for control over all of historic Palestine and beyond.
11. What happened in 1967?
In 1967, Israel invaded and occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. This marked a continuation of land seizures and illegal settlement expansion.
12. How are Palestinians living today?
Palestinians live in multiple forms of displacement and oppression:
- 6 million refugees outside Palestine, denied the right to return
- 3.2 million in the West Bank under occupation
- 2.2 million in Gaza under siege
- 1.9 million inside Israel with limited rights, treated as second- or fifth-class citizens
13. What are Palestinians demanding today?
Palestinians continue to call for:
- Justice
- The Right of Return
- An end to occupation and apartheid
They remain committed to resisting colonialism and reclaiming their land and rights.