Ethnic Cleansing in Palestine: A Historical Overview from 1918 to 2025

The term "ethnic cleansing" refers to the systematic forced removal of an ethnic or religious group from a given territory by a more powerful ethnic group. In the context of Palestine, the narrative spans over a century, marked by pivotal events, policies, and actions that have shaped the demographic landscape of the region.

Early 20th Century: The British Mandate

Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the British Mandate for Palestine was established in 1920, with the Balfour Declaration of 1917 providing a foundation for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This era saw the onset of Jewish immigration, which was often at odds with the existing Arab population. While not systematic ethnic cleansing, the increasing Jewish presence, backed by British policies, laid the groundwork for future tensions and demographic changes. Posts on X have highlighted sentiments of early Zionist intentions of demographic transformation, although these claims are often part of broader historical debates.

1947-1949: The Nakba

The partition plan of 1947 by the UN intended to divide Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, but it resulted in conflict. The subsequent war from 1947 to 1949, known by Palestinians as the "Nakba" or "catastrophe," saw the expulsion or flight of approximately 700,000 to 750,000 Palestinians from their homes. Historians like Ilan Pappe have detailed how Zionist forces implemented "Plan Dalet," which aimed at the conquest of Arab territories and the expulsion of their inhabitants. This period is widely acknowledged as one of the clearest examples of ethnic cleansing, with numerous villages destroyed and communities displaced.

Post-1948: Ongoing Displacement

After the establishment of Israel in 1948, the displacement of Palestinians did not cease. Policies such as land expropriation, discriminatory laws, and the refusal to allow Palestinian refugees to return have been described by some scholars and activists as a continuation of ethnic cleansing. The 1967 Six-Day War led to further displacement, known as the "Naksa," with an additional 350,000 Palestinians becoming refugees. This period saw Israel gaining control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, areas where policies of settlement expansion and land confiscation have since been criticized as tools of demographic manipulation.

Modern Era: Gaza and the West Bank

In recent years, particularly since the second intifada, the situation has been characterized by ongoing conflict, blockade, and what some describe as a "slow-motion ethnic cleansing." The blockade of Gaza, military operations, and settler violence in the West Bank have contributed to a sense of systematic displacement. The 2023 escalation in Gaza, where nearly 1.7 million were displaced, as an example of ethnic cleansing.