How many Palestinian refugees were displaced during the 1948 war, and where did they primarily settle?

During the 1948 Palestine war, an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 Palestinian Arabs left, fled, or were expelled from their homes. They settled in refugee camps in Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Which UN General Assembly Resolution first formally recognized a right of return for Palestinian refugees, and when was it passed?

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194, passed on December 11, 1948, was the first formal recognition of a right of return for Palestinian refugees.

What did UN General Assembly Resolution 3236, adopted in 1974, declare regarding the Palestinian right of return?

In 1974, UN General Assembly Resolution 3236 declared the right of return to be an "inalienable right" for Palestinians.

What was the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) stance on the right of return in 1974?

In 1974, the PLO defined the right of return as the "foremost of Palestinian rights," alongside the rights to self-determination and an independent state.

What was Israel's official position regarding the Palestinian refugee problem after the 1948 war?

Israel's government stated its position in August 1949 that the Palestinian refugee problem should be solved through resettlement in other states, rather than through the return of refugees to Israel.

What is the Arabic term for the Palestinian right of return, and what does it signify?

The Arabic term for the Palestinian right of return is *Haqq al-Awda*, often shortened to *al-Awda*, which translates to "the return." It is a significant symbol of Palestinian identity and a core demand in their political aspirations.

How many Palestinians were displaced during the 1967 Six-Day War, and what was notable about some of these refugees?

An estimated 280,000 to 350,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights during the Six-Day War. Of these, approximately 120,000 to 170,000 were believed to be refugees who had already fled during the 1948 war, experiencing displacement a second time.

What comparison is often made regarding Palestinian refugees and the exodus of Jews from Arab countries?

A common comparison is drawn between the situation of Palestinian refugees and the exodus of approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 Jews who were forced to leave or emigrated from Arab and Muslim countries between 1948 and the early 1970s.

What was the stated goal of the campaign to secure recognition for Jews from Arab lands as refugees?

The campaign aimed to secure official political and legal recognition for Jews from Arab lands as refugees, with the hope of preventing the acceptance of the Palestinian "right of return" and reducing potential compensation for appropriated Palestinian property.

What did Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas state in November 2012 regarding the right of return?

In November 2012, Mahmud Abbas stated that the claim of return was not to his original hometown but to a Palestinian state to be established on the 1967 borders, a statement later clarified as his personal opinion.

What does Article 11 of UN General Assembly Resolution 194 state about refugees wishing to return?

Article 11 of UN General Assembly Resolution 194 resolves that refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for property loss or damage.

How has Israel contested the interpretation of Article 11 of Resolution 194?

Israel has contested this interpretation by pointing out that the text states refugees "should be permitted" to return and only applies to those "wishing to... live at peace with their neighbors," conditions they argue are not met. David Ben-Gurion also argued that resettlement was not an obligation if Arab states were not at peace with Israel.

What fundamental human right is cited by supporters of the Palestinian right of return, and from which document?

Supporters cite Article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which states that "Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country."

What did UN Security Council Resolution 242 affirm regarding the refugee problem?

UN Security Council Resolution 242 affirmed the necessity for "achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem." Some, like Ruth Lapidoth, argue this also includes the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab nations.

What is the primary argument made by objectors to the Palestinian right of return concerning Israel's identity?

Objectors argue that allowing a Palestinian right of return would fundamentally alter Israel's demographic makeup, leading to Jews becoming a minority and thus destroying Israel as a Jewish state.

What is Israel's official stance on its responsibility for the 1948 Palestinian exodus?

Israel's official stance is that it bears no responsibility for the Palestinian exodus, asserting that the flight of refugees was caused by the invading Arab armies who allegedly ordered Palestinian civilians to evacuate.

What does Efraim Karsh argue about Israel's obligations concerning the Palestinian refugee problem?

Efraim Karsh argues that since Palestinians were the aggressors in the 1948 war and their leaders and Arab military forces drove out many Palestinians, Israel is not obligated to compensate them or allow their return.

What is Benny Morris's perspective on the Israeli state's view of Palestinian refugees after the 1948 war?

Benny Morris argues that the newly formed Israeli state viewed the Palestinian refugees as enemies who had attacked the Jewish community, and allowing their return could have created a fifth column, thus seeing the refugee problem as a consequence of a war they instigated.

How do critics argue that the Palestinian right of return lacks international precedent compared to the Jewish exodus from Arab lands?

Critics point out that the approximately 758,000 to 866,000 Jews expelled or who fled Arab countries were neither compensated nor allowed to return, and this migration was accepted as a *fait accompli* by the international community, setting a precedent against a right of return in the region.

What did Moshe Sharett assert regarding the migration of refugees between Israel and the Arab world?

Moshe Sharett asserted that the migration of refugees constituted a population exchange, and that international law does not require the reversal of such exchanges, even one-directional ones, suggesting Israel was being singled out as an exception.

What is Ruth Lapidoth's legal interpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 194?

Ruth Lapidoth argues that Resolution 194 does not specify a "right" but rather that refugees "should" be allowed to return, and that as a General Assembly resolution, it is not legally binding. She also notes the conditions for return (wishing to live at peace) were not met.

What did Stig Jägerskiöld suggest in 1966 about the intention of the right of return?

In 1966, Stig Jägerskiöld suggested that the right of return was intended as an individual right and not a collective one, and that it was not meant to address claims arising from war-induced displacements like the Palestinian exodus.

What is Andrew Kent's argument regarding the applicability of international law to the 1948 Palestinian exodus?

Andrew Kent argues that international laws like the Fourth Geneva Convention and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandate a right of return, came into force after the 1948 exodus and thus do not retroactively apply to Israel's actions at that time.

What does Anthony Oberschall state about the current physical reality of former Palestinian villages?

Anthony Oberschall notes that the original Palestinian villages and their lands from 1948 no longer exist in their previous form, having been replaced by Israeli towns, apartment blocks, shopping centers, and highways, making a literal return impractical.

How is the right of return viewed by the majority of Palestinians in the context of a peace agreement?

The majority of Palestinians view the right of return as crucial to a peace agreement with Israel, even if most surviving refugees and their descendants do not intend to exercise it, seeing it as a recognition of their homeland's loss.

What is the general stance of the Israeli left regarding the Palestinian right of return?

While opposing a literal right of return due to demographic concerns, the Israeli left is generally open to compromise, supporting solutions like financial compensation, family reunification, and the admission of a limited number of refugees.

What was Israel's initial offer at the Lausanne Conference of 1949 concerning refugee return?

At the Lausanne Conference in 1949, Israel offered to allow up to 100,000 Palestinian refugees to return, not necessarily to their original homes, as part of a broader resettlement plan by the UN.

What did Israel offer at the 2000 Camp David summit regarding Palestinian refugees?

At the 2000 Camp David summit, Israel offered to establish an international fund for compensation for lost Palestinian property, contribute to it, and allow approximately 100,000 refugees to return based on humanitarian or family reunification grounds.

What was the Palestinian National Authority's position on the right of return during the Oslo Accords period?

The Palestinian National Authority viewed the right of return as a non-negotiable right, which was one of the issues deferred to a "final status agreement" under the Oslo Accords.

What did Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon state in 2003 about the Palestinian demand for the right of return?

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stated in 2003 that the Palestinian demand for the right of return was "a recipe for Israel's destruction" and that the establishment of a Palestinian state was conditional upon waiving this demand.

What was the outcome of the 1949 Lausanne Conference regarding the right of return?

The Lausanne Conference failed to reach an agreement on the right of return, as Arab governments proposed significantly different terms than Israel's offer, leading Israel to withdraw its limited proposal.

What was the purpose of the Gordon R. Clapp mission in 1949-1950?

The Gordon R. Clapp mission was tasked with surveying the economic capabilities of Arab states to absorb Palestinian refugees, but it failed to achieve significant progress as Arab governments were unwilling to discuss resettlement.

What did UN General Assembly Resolution 393 (1950) allocate for Palestinian refugees?

UN General Assembly Resolution 393 allocated at least $30 million for the economic reintegration of Palestinian refugees in the Near East, either through repatriation or resettlement, without prejudice to Resolution 194.

What did John B. Blandford Jr.'s 1951 proposal for UNRWA aim to achieve for Palestinian refugees?

Blandford's proposal aimed to spend $50 million on relief and $200 million on integrating Palestinian refugees into their host communities, with the goal of resettling 150,000 to 250,000 refugees by building economic infrastructure.

What did Henry Richardson Labouisse report in 1955 regarding refugee resistance to integration programs?

Labouisse reported that refugees showed resistance to self-support programs, fearing that accepting settlement would mean giving up hope of repatriation, especially concerning large-scale development projects.

What was the nature of the 2003 Geneva Accord concerning the Right of Return?

The 2003 Geneva Accord, an unofficial and non-binding agreement between individuals, proposed relinquishing the idea of a Right of Return, suggesting a settlement that would grant Palestinians a right of return to a Palestinian state but not to Israel.

What is the significance of the Palestinian key and the Handala figure mentioned in the article?

The Palestinian key symbolizes keys kept by Palestinians as mementos of homes they left in 1948, while the Handala figure is a common Palestinian symbol representing support for the right of return.

What historical events are cited by the "New Historians" regarding the Palestinian exodus?

Several "New Historians" assert that Palestinian refugees were chased out or expelled by the actions of Jewish militant groups like the Haganah, Lehi, and Irgun.

What did a 1948 Haganah military intelligence report indicate about the causes of the Palestinian exodus?

The Haganah report indicated that by June 1948, at least 73% of the exodus was directly caused by Israeli actions (Haganah/IDF operations, expulsion orders, psychological warfare), with the remaining 27% attributed to Palestinian fears or Arab calls to leave.

What did Golda Meir state regarding the treatment of remaining Arabs and the return of those who fled in 1948?

Golda Meir stated in May 1948 that the Jews should treat remaining Arabs with equality, but added, "it is not our job to worry about the return [of those who have fled]."

What was the "Transfer Committee" and its role concerning Palestinian refugees?

A "Transfer Committee" was established, along with a policy of *faits accomplis*, by Israeli leaders to prevent the return of Palestinian refugees, managing "Absentees' property" and leading to the leveling of numerous Palestinian villages.

What is the argument made by American libertarians like Richard Ebeling and Stephen Halbrook regarding the Palestinian right of return?

Libertarians like Richard Ebeling and Stephen Halbrook argue for the Palestinian right of return primarily from a private property rights perspective, asserting that justice requires the return of legitimate property to rightful owners and permitting their residence.

What did the Haganah intelligence report attribute as the cause for 22% of the Palestinian exodus in mid-1948?

The Haganah report attributed 22% of the Palestinian exodus in mid-1948 to the fears and crisis of confidence affecting the Palestinian population, who believed they could not withstand the advancing Jewish military forces.

What did the UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (1948) recommend regarding compensation for refugees?

UN General Assembly Resolution 194 recommended that compensation should be paid for the property of those refugees choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property that should be made good by the responsible governments or authorities.

What is the Israeli government's perspective on the demographic impact of the Palestinian right of return?

The Israeli government and its supporters express concern about the demographic impact of allowing millions of Palestinians to return, which they believe would significantly alter Israel's population balance.

What was the estimated number of Palestinian refugees from the 1967 war who had also been refugees from 1948?

Approximately 120,000 to 170,000 of the refugees displaced in 1967 were believed to have also been refugees from the 1948 war, fleeing a second time.

What did the Oslo Accords of 1993 defer regarding the Palestinian right of return?

The Oslo Accords deferred the issue of the Palestinian right of return to a "final status agreement," which was never reached, contributing to the breakdown of the peace process and the Second Intifada.

What was the Israeli offer at the Lausanne Conference of 1949 concerning the number of refugees and conditions?

Israel offered to allow up to 100,000 refugees to return, including 25,000 who had already returned surreptitiously and 10,000 family-reunion cases, conditioned on a peace treaty allowing Israel to retain territory and Arab states absorbing the remaining refugees.

Palestinian Right Of Return Wiki: The Right of Return: A Palestinian Imperative

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Core Principles

Defining the Right

The Palestinian right of return is a political principle asserting that Palestinian refugees, displaced during the 1948 Palestinian expulsion and flight and the 1967 Six-Day War, along with their descendants, possess a right to return to their original homes and properties within present-day Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Scale of Displacement

The initial displacement in 1948 affected an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 Arabs. A subsequent exodus in 1967 resulted in an additional 280,000 to 350,000 refugees. Today, the total number of Palestinian refugees and their descendants is estimated to exceed four million.

International Recognition

Proponents view this right as a fundamental human right, protected under international law. Key affirmations include UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (1948), which resolved that refugees wishing to return should be permitted to do so, and Resolution 3236 (1974), which reaffirmed it as an "inalienable right."

Historical Context

Genesis of the Issue

The refugee problem originated during the 1948 Palestine war. Between December 1947 and November 1948, significant numbers of Palestinians left their homes due to Haganah/IDF operations, expulsions, psychological warfare, and fear, leading to an exodus estimated between 700,000 and 800,000 individuals.

Subsequent Displacement

The 1967 Six-Day War triggered another wave of displacement, with an estimated 280,000 to 350,000 Palestinians fleeing or being expelled from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights. A significant portion of these were individuals displaced for a second time.

Property and Policy

Following the 1948 exodus, Israeli policy generally prevented refugee return. "Absentees' property" was managed by the Israeli government, and numerous Palestinian villages were leveled. This stance has been a central point of contention.

The Exodus Narratives

1948 Departures

Initial departures from December 1947 to March 1948 involved around 100,000 Palestinians, many from urban centers, expecting a temporary absence. From April to July 1948, Haganah offensives caused an estimated 250,000-300,000 to flee. Post-truce and during operations like Yoav and Hiram (October-November 1948), further waves of 200,000-220,000 departed, often due to expulsions or fear of atrocities.

Causes and Responsibilities

The causes of the exodus are debated. Historical analysis indicates that Haganah/IDF actions directly contributed to a significant percentage of departures. While some Palestinians left voluntarily or due to Arab leadership calls, a substantial portion were expelled or fled under duress resulting from military operations.

Refugee Status and Resettlement

Most Arab nations have not granted full citizenship to Palestinian refugees, who often rely on UNRWA aid. This policy is partly linked to the desire to maintain the refugees' claim to return to their original homes within Israel.

UN Resolution 194

Article 11

Passed on December 11, 1948, UN General Assembly Resolution 194, specifically Article 11, resolved that "the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return..."

Interpretive Discrepancies

The interpretation of Resolution 194 is contentious. Proponents view it as establishing an unconditional right of return. Israel, however, emphasizes that the resolution's applicability is conditional on refugees wishing to live "at peace with their neighbours" and that it is a recommendation, not a binding mandate.

Subsequent Affirmations

UN General Assembly Resolution 3236 (1974) reaffirmed the "inalienable right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and property," further solidifying the principle in international discourse, though its enforceability remains a key point of debate.

Divergent Viewpoints

Supporters' Arguments

Supporters cite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 13), Geneva Conventions, and UN resolutions. They argue that the right is individual, inalienable, and protected by principles of state succession and human rights law, asserting that property rights cannot be extinguished by new sovereignty or occupation.

Objectors' Contentions

Objectors argue that a full right of return would fundamentally alter Israel's demographic character, undermining its identity as a Jewish state. They contend that international law does not mandate repatriation in such cases, citing the lack of binding resolutions and the non-retroactivity of certain conventions. They also point to the precedent of Jewish refugees from Arab countries, who were generally not compensated or allowed to return.

Legal and Precedential Debates

Legal scholars debate the applicability and interpretation of international law, with arguments focusing on whether Resolution 194 constitutes a binding right or a recommendation, and the implications of post-war population movements and state succession principles.

Impact on Peace

Central Obstacle

The right of return remains a highly sensitive and contentious issue, significantly impacting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The inability to reconcile the Palestinian demand for return with Israeli security and demographic concerns has been a major impediment to achieving a lasting resolution.

Negotiation Stalemates

Historical peace negotiations, including the Lausanne Conference (1949), Camp David Summit (2000), and the Road Map for Peace (2003), have grappled with this issue. Proposals have ranged from limited return and compensation to resettlement in a future Palestinian state or third countries, with agreements proving elusive.

Proposed Solutions

Various solutions have been proposed, including financial compensation, symbolic return, family reunification, and resettlement in third countries. However, Palestinian factions generally maintain the right of return as non-negotiable, while Israel largely rejects a full return, viewing it as existential.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Palestinian Right Of Return" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about palestinian_right_of_return while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

montserrat

oklahoma state cowboys basketball

metrorail western cape

References

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13 at WikiSource.

Benny Morris, Righteous Victims â First Arab-Israeli War â Operation Yoav.

Abu Sitta, Salman (2001): From Refugees to Citizens at Home. London: Palestine Land Society and Palestinian Return Centre.

Bowker 2003 p. 81

Annual Report of the Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, covering the period 1 July 1954 to 30 June 1955, General Assembly, Tenth Session, Document A/2978

A full list of references for this article are available at the Palestinian right of return Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This content has been generated by an AI, drawing upon publicly available information from Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, providing an overview of the complex issue of the Palestinian right of return.

This is not political or legal advice. The information presented here is a synthesis of historical and legal perspectives and does not constitute an endorsement of any particular political stance or legal interpretation. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and diverse scholarly analyses for a comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided.

The Right of Return: A Palestinian Imperative

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Core Principles ⚖️

🏠 Defining the Right

🔢 Scale of Displacement

📜 International Recognition

Historical Context ⏳

🗓️ Genesis of the Issue

➡️ Subsequent Displacement

🤝 Property and Policy

The Exodus Narratives 🚶

🗺️ 1948 Departures

⚖️ Causes and Responsibilities

🌍 Refugee Status and Resettlement

UN Resolution 194 📜

📍 Article 11

❓ Interpretive Discrepancies

🏛️ Subsequent Affirmations

Divergent Viewpoints 🗣️

👍 Supporters' Arguments

👎 Objectors' Contentions

⚖️ Legal and Precedential Debates

Impact on Peace 🕊️

💥 Central Obstacle

🤝 Negotiation Stalemates

💡 Proposed Solutions

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Core Principles

Defining the Right

Scale of Displacement

International Recognition

Historical Context

Genesis of the Issue

Subsequent Displacement

Property and Policy

The Exodus Narratives

1948 Departures

Causes and Responsibilities

Refugee Status and Resettlement

UN Resolution 194

Article 11

Interpretive Discrepancies

Subsequent Affirmations

Divergent Viewpoints

Supporters' Arguments

Objectors' Contentions

Legal and Precedential Debates

Impact on Peace

Central Obstacle

Negotiation Stalemates

Proposed Solutions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations