As Palestinians mark the 76th anniversary of their expulsion from what is now Israel, the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza adds another layer of tragedy to their history. The Nakba, or catastrophe, saw around 700,000 Palestinians forced from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Israel’s refusal to allow their return created a lasting refugee crisis, with millions living in poor conditions in refugee camps. Now, as Israel expands its offensive in Gaza, many fear a repeat of history on a larger scale.
The ongoing war has already displaced around 1.7 million Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community opposes further expulsion, but the fear of never returning home looms large for many Palestinians in Gaza, where the destruction is overwhelming, and rebuilding efforts could take decades.