Arab leaders forced Palestinians to become refugees

[aris2chat]

Palestinian Authority TV: Arab leaders forced Palestinians to become refugees



A Palestinian on Palestinian Authority television blames Arab leaders for making his parents refugees.

Ibrahim Sarsur, head of Islamic Movement in Israel, affirms that this indeed happened and condemns it.

Transcript:

Phone caller from Gaza: “Mr. Ibrahim, I address you as a Muslim. My father and grandfather told me that during the “Catastrophe” [establishment of Israel – 1948] our district officer issued an order that whoever stays in Palestine and in Majdel [near Ashkelon, southern Israel] is a traitor, he is a traitor… ”

Ibrahim Sarsur, head of Islamic Movement in Israel: “I don’t want to blame the one who caused this situation, but we are forced to cope with this situation. The one who gave the order forbidding them to stay there bears guilt for this, in this life and the Afterlife, throughout history until Resurrection Day.”
[PA TV (Fatah), April 30, 1999]

 

[Daniyel]

The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

 

[aris2chat]

The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

They prefer to believe the fantasy that feeds their anger rather than accept the facts and find a way to move forward in a positive constructive way.
To many have a marginal or limited access to the truth that lies have become history to them. It is a shame that so many lies and so much propaganda can still exist.
If they have the facts it will be a stronger foundation to peace and security for the region and world.

 

[MJB12741]

Palestinian Authority TV: Arab leaders forced Palestinians to become refugees



A Palestinian on Palestinian Authority television blames Arab leaders for making his parents refugees.

Ibrahim Sarsur, head of Islamic Movement in Israel, affirms that this indeed happened and condemns it.

Transcript:

Phone caller from Gaza: “Mr. Ibrahim, I address you as a Muslim. My father and grandfather told me that during the “Catastrophe” [establishment of Israel – 1948] our district officer issued an order that whoever stays in Palestine and in Majdel [near Ashkelon, southern Israel] is a traitor, he is a traitor… ”

Ibrahim Sarsur, head of Islamic Movement in Israel: “I don’t want to blame the one who caused this situation, but we are forced to cope with this situation. The one who gave the order forbidding them to stay there bears guilt for this, in this life and the Afterlife, throughout history until Resurrection Day.”
[PA TV (Fatah), April 30, 1999]

What the Arab countries have done to massacre their Palestinians & leave so many thousands of others as refugees is hard to forgive. But never any Palestinian complaints about it. Why is that?

 

[Roudy]

There goes another of the myths perpetrated by Palestinians and Arabs.

 

[RoccoR]

Roudy, et al,

It really doesn't matter. It is one of those cases that has been overtaken by events. There are no refugees in either the West Bank or Gaza Strip.

There goes another of the myths perpetrated by Palestinians and Arabs.

(COMMENT)

Refugees are defined in the UNHCR 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

Refugee is NO LONGER a refugee IF: Article 1C of the Convention ---

(1) He has voluntarily re-availed himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; or
(2) Having lost his nationality, he has voluntarily re-acquired it; or
(3) He has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the protection of the country of his new nationality; or
(4) He has voluntarily re-established himself in the country which he left or outside which he remained owing to fear of persecution; or
(5) He can no longer, because the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A(1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to avail himself of the protection of the country of nationality;
(6) Being a person who has no nationality he is, because of the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, able to return to the country of his former habitual residence;16 c o n v e n t i o n a n d p r o t o c o l Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A (1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to return to the country of his former habitual residence.​

The typical refugee under discussion either:

• Accepted protections under the Egyptian Military Administration of Gaza through the All Palestine Government.
• Accepted Jordanian Citizenship under the Parliament convened to Annex the West Bank.
• Accepted citizenship from the State of Palestine.

At one time or another, the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza fell into one of these categories.

Most Respectfully,
R

 

[Roudy]

Roudy, et al,

It really doesn't matter. It is one of those cases that has been overtaken by events. There are no refugees in either the West Bank or Gaza Strip.

There goes another of the myths perpetrated by Palestinians and Arabs.

(COMMENT)

Refugees are defined in the UNHCR 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

Refugee is NO LONGER a refugee IF: Article 1C of the Convention ---

(1) He has voluntarily re-availed himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; or
(2) Having lost his nationality, he has voluntarily re-acquired it; or
(3) He has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the protection of the country of his new nationality; or
(4) He has voluntarily re-established himself in the country which he left or outside which he remained owing to fear of persecution; or
(5) He can no longer, because the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A(1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to avail himself of the protection of the country of nationality;
(6) Being a person who has no nationality he is, because of the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, able to return to the country of his former habitual residence;16 c o n v e n t i o n a n d p r o t o c o l Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A (1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to return to the country of his former habitual residence.​

The typical refugee under discussion either:

• Accepted protections under the Egyptian Military Administration of Gaza through the All Palestine Government.
• Accepted Jordanian Citizenship under the Parliament convened to Annex the West Bank.
• Accepted citizenship from the State of Palestine.

At one time or another, the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza fell into one of these categories.

Most Respectfully,
R

But, since when did Palestinians abide by international law and rational thought? Let us remember who we are dealing with here, and what the ultimate intention is.

 

[RoccoR]

Roudy, et al,

No one expects the Palestinians to establish a workable and thriving state anywhere in the immediate future.

Roudy, et al,

It really doesn't matter. It is one of those cases that has been overtaken by events. There are no refugees in either the West Bank or Gaza Strip. Not even the Palestinians themselves.

There goes another of the myths perpetrated by Palestinians and Arabs.

(COMMENT)

Refugees are defined in the UNHCR 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

Refugee is NO LONGER a refugee IF: Article 1C of the Convention ---

(1) He has voluntarily re-availed himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; or
(2) Having lost his nationality, he has voluntarily re-acquired it; or
(3) He has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the protection of the country of his new nationality; or
(4) He has voluntarily re-established himself in the country which he left or outside which he remained owing to fear of persecution; or
(5) He can no longer, because the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A(1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to avail himself of the protection of the country of nationality;
(6) Being a person who has no nationality he is, because of the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, able to return to the country of his former habitual residence;16 c o n v e n t i o n a n d p r o t o c o l Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A (1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to return to the country of his former habitual residence.​

The typical refugee under discussion either:

• Accepted protections under the Egyptian Military Administration of Gaza through the All Palestine Government.
• Accepted Jordanian Citizenship under the Parliament convened to Annex the West Bank.
• Accepted citizenship from the State of Palestine.

At one time or another, the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza fell into one of these categories.

Most Respectfully,
R

But, since when did Palestinians abide by international law and rational thought? Let us remember who we are dealing with here, and what the ultimate intention is.

(COMMENT)

And no one really wants another failed state in the region. And a failed state is what you get if you allow Palestinian expansion. Just look at the general situation of Jerusalem and Ramallah. They cannot even demonstrate they can properly run a town or city, let alone a state.

There adherence to international or customary law is almost irrelevant given the situation of mob mentality, the propensity for violence, and the mismanagement of infrastructure. No matter what their intentions are, they don't have the little gray cells necessary to properly administer a girl scout troop, let alone anything more complicated. So I wouldn't worry about their intentions or law.

Israel just needs to hold fast, exercise justice in a fair and prudent manner --- and stand ready. As usual, the Palestinians will shoot themselves in the foot again, and everything will calm down.

Most Respectfully,
R

 

[Roudy]

Roudy, et al,

No one expects the Palestinians to establish a workable and thriving state anywhere in the immediate future.

Roudy, et al,

It really doesn't matter. It is one of those cases that has been overtaken by events. There are no refugees in either the West Bank or Gaza Strip. Not even the Palestinians themselves.

There goes another of the myths perpetrated by Palestinians and Arabs.

(COMMENT)

Refugees are defined in the UNHCR 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

Refugee is NO LONGER a refugee IF: Article 1C of the Convention ---

(1) He has voluntarily re-availed himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; or
(2) Having lost his nationality, he has voluntarily re-acquired it; or
(3) He has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the protection of the country of his new nationality; or
(4) He has voluntarily re-established himself in the country which he left or outside which he remained owing to fear of persecution; or
(5) He can no longer, because the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A(1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to avail himself of the protection of the country of nationality;
(6) Being a person who has no nationality he is, because of the circumstances in connexion with which he has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, able to return to the country of his former habitual residence;16 c o n v e n t i o n a n d p r o t o c o l Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to a refugee falling under section A (1) of this article who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to return to the country of his former habitual residence.​

The typical refugee under discussion either:

• Accepted protections under the Egyptian Military Administration of Gaza through the All Palestine Government.
• Accepted Jordanian Citizenship under the Parliament convened to Annex the West Bank.
• Accepted citizenship from the State of Palestine.

At one time or another, the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza fell into one of these categories.

Most Respectfully,
R

But, since when did Palestinians abide by international law and rational thought? Let us remember who we are dealing with here, and what the ultimate intention is.

(COMMENT)

And no one really wants another failed state in the region. And a failed state is what you get if you allow Palestinian expansion. Just look at the general situation of Jerusalem and Ramallah. They cannot even demonstrate they can properly run a town or city, let alone a state.

There adherence to international or customary law is almost irrelevant given the situation of mob mentality, the propensity for violence, and the mismanagement of infrastructure. No matter what their intentions are, they don't have the little gray cells necessary to properly administer a girl scout troop, let alone anything more complicated. So I wouldn't worry about their intentions or law.

Israel just needs to hold fast, exercise justice in a fair and prudent manner --- and stand ready. As usual, the Palestinians will shoot themselves in the foot again, and everything will calm down.

Most Respectfully,
R

Which is exactly what Israel is doing. The "Palestinians will never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity". The window for a Palestinian state is closing. The only option they will be left with is the autonomous demilitarized region of Gaza, after the defeat and unconditional surrender of Hamas. The international community can then help build a viable state based on coexistence and progress, rather than death and destruction of its neighbors.

 

[Coyote]

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

 

[aris2chat]

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

Other than the "traitor" fighting against them and trying to kill them, what would you have had Israel do to prevent the refugee problem? When the enemy is within and want to leave, you let them. If they fight you or aid those fighting you, you send them away. Even arabs now that with blood on their hands are responsible for their houses being removed. It might seem punitive but what would you do if your own family was trying to destroy you? Would you let them or get them out of your house? Reason and a sense of belonging to Israel is not working. Trying to debunk the lies they learn in the mosques and communities is not enough. Giving them more rights and services than there arab neighbor outside Israel is not enough. Israel is not going to sacrifice itself, so what is the alternative?
Except for a few thousand, the vast majority of refugees that left did so before or in the early phase of the 1948 war. Others left gaza and the WB in '67 when Israel acquired that land. Arabs and other palestinians kept them from trying to return and labeling them and any family as traitors to "the cause", even killing them.
So what would you have had Israel do? Israel brought back in as many as applied that did not have ties to terrorism or criminal past. They allowed many to bring their land claims to court.
Refugees do not want to live in Israel as Israelis, they want to live as palestinians in a jew free land that was the mandate, or part of a greater arab state.
So what would have been your response if people don't want to stay or accept the new status of an Israeli state?

 

[RoccoR]

Coyote, et al,

The case of the refugees is nothing more than one of many consequential outcomes in a cascade series of events (like dominos) in which there are many players; with many lines merging and paths converging.

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

(COMMENT)

The refugee outcome is not an issue or a cause (either central or critical) to the principle territorial dispute or conflict for total Arab control. It only appears so --- as a sympathetic complaint to gain a following (local - regional - international) as part of the emotional based argument. Yes, the decisions made by the various players (the original Allied Powers, the League of Nations, the Mandatory and Commissioners, the UN and the General Assembly and the commissions --- the Jewish Agency, the Arab Higher Committee, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt --- etc etc etc) all contributed in some measure to the refugee (one domino pushing over another); but more importantly --- contributed to the path on which the Israel-Palestinian Conflict finds itself today.

Most Respectfully,
R

 

[teddyearp]

aris, thank you very much for this thread. It finally gives some proof to the fact that the Arabs helped cause the Palestinian 'Nakba' and it is not all the fault of the oft touted 'Plan Dalit'.

 

[aris2chat]

aris, thank you very much for this thread. It finally gives some proof to the fact that the Arabs helped cause the Palestinian 'Nakba' and it is not all the fault of the oft touted 'Plan Dalit'.

If you look at Syria and refugee problem, you can see how the problem comes about even without syria regime actually forcing them to leave their homes. People are displaced within and they leave altogether to avoid war. How many will actually be allowed back before, during or after reconstruction? How many will want to be part of whatever government eventually ends the fighting, for better or worse? How many might in some way choose to continue the conflict through terrorism or propaganda attacks?
Lebanon lost close to half it's population so that there are now more Lebanese outside of Lebanon than actually living in Lebanon. Most are happy to stay outside and only visit for family and/or to send money home to support family. It used to be they had to return to vote, but that is no longer the case. They can vote at embassies and consulates now. Between the palestinians and the syrian refugees, they make up at least a third of the population but since they are not lebanese, they do not have the same rights. A few might get work permits for labor jobs but most employment is off limits. They cannot vote and cannot easily find housing outside the temporary or designated refugee sites. The school and building they have occupied are often without services an often without windows or complete walls. They pack together like sardines in a can to sleep of floors or mats. Food is sparse and crime both by them and against them high. To sell oneself or their children as anything from house servants to prostitutes, both male and female, is far too common. Without passports or legal rights they can often be abused by their "masters". Arabs that live in Lebanon are often the worst abusers. They are used to "owning" or holding passports and money as ransom to keep their servants quiet.
Refugees are a fact from any war or conflict. Most will never be returned to the places they originated from, village or country. Palestinians have been kept by the UN and arabs as a people without a state rather than a people they should be incorporated into the general population. They are given a dream of a land without jews that they will return to rather than seeing the situation and beginning a new life. They have been promised the riches of Israel when they return, land that did not or no longer belonged to them or their extended family. Dreams of a greater arab/islamic state as some utopia that cannot come to pass. They are fed lies to tempt them and incite them to perpetual warfare, even within the palestinian communities/refugee camps.
There is no way jews who were forced out of the MENA by pogroms will be allowed to reurn where they came from to make way for the palestinian return. There is no way all the muslims in Europe will be returning to the land they came from. Why should everyone expect that palestinians will be given a return, land and booty when they return? Where except the sea should all the jews go? Why can't the refugees be settled on land in the WB? Why can't arab states take in some of them? Why should they "all" be expected to return to what is now Israel? they did not all originate in modern Israel.
No, the refugee "problem" is not the responsibility of Israel nor should the solution be the sole responsibility of Israel either.
Will all the north koreans return some day? Will all the saudanese? Will all the armenians return to their land in turkey? Will all the kurds return to their lands? Mexicans? Cubans? Colombians? Russians? Italians? Irish?
Jews were invited by Ottoman and arab to return to their homeland, as a people and religion. After WWII the jews needed a homeland and Israel, which was under populated at the time, was the obvious choice. Hate incited by the likes of the mufti and his followers tried to wipe them out in Europe and later in the middle east. Jews took arms and said they would not be removed from the mandate/Israel. They would no longer be subject to extermination and Israel would be a haven to all jews (well, most jews).
Refugees exist everywhere and throughout history. People migrate for economic, natural disasters, security, freedom and identity reasons. There will always be some form of refugees but putting them in camps and fed of unrealistic expectation and hate is not the answer.
Israel is not responsible for what has happened nor for the solution. Israel is responsible for it's own people, those who wish to be Israelis.

 

[teddyearp]

+1 ^^^^^ this! Very very, very, well put!

 

[Coyote]

Coyote, et al,

The case of the refugees is nothing more than one of many consequential outcomes in a cascade series of events (like dominos) in which there are many players; with many lines merging and paths converging.

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

(COMMENT)

The refugee outcome is not an issue or a cause (either central or critical) to the principle territorial dispute or conflict for total Arab control. It only appears so --- as a sympathetic complaint to gain a following (local - regional - international) as part of the emotional based argument. Yes, the decisions made by the various players (the original Allied Powers, the League of Nations, the Mandatory and Commissioners, the UN and the General Assembly and the commissions --- the Jewish Agency, the Arab Higher Committee, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt --- etc etc etc) all contributed in some measure to the refugee (one domino pushing over another); but more importantly --- contributed to the path on which the Israel-Palestinian Conflict finds itself today.

Most Respectfully,
R

When folks continually claim it's due to the Arabs - I think that misconception needs to be corrected. There were deliberate actions undertaken by the Israeli's themselves that forced civilians to flee and prevented their return. Now granted - all sides are adept at using the issue for their own political gains, but I think that the myth that their own leaders and the Arabs nations were primarily responsible for making them flee needs to be debunked.

 

[Coyote]

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

Other than the "traitor" fighting against them and trying to kill them, what would you have had Israel do to prevent the refugee problem? When the enemy is within and want to leave, you let them. If they fight you or aid those fighting you, you send them away. Even arabs now that with blood on their hands are responsible for their houses being removed. It might seem punitive but what would you do if your own family was trying to destroy you? Would you let them or get them out of your house? Reason and a sense of belonging to Israel is not working. Trying to debunk the lies they learn in the mosques and communities is not enough. Giving them more rights and services than there arab neighbor outside Israel is not enough. Israel is not going to sacrifice itself, so what is the alternative?
Except for a few thousand, the vast majority of refugees that left did so before or in the early phase of the 1948 war. Others left gaza and the WB in '67 when Israel acquired that land. Arabs and other palestinians kept them from trying to return and labeling them and any family as traitors to "the cause", even killing them.
So what would you have had Israel do? Israel brought back in as many as applied that did not have ties to terrorism or criminal past. They allowed many to bring their land claims to court.
Refugees do not want to live in Israel as Israelis, they want to live as palestinians in a jew free land that was the mandate, or part of a greater arab state.
So what would have been your response if people don't want to stay or accept the new status of an Israeli state?

Aris, it was shown in documents in Israeli archives that there were deliberate and well orchestrated actions to drive Palestinian villagers out and prevent their return. This is well documented. The Israeli's weren't innocents here.

 

[aris2chat]

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

Other than the "traitor" fighting against them and trying to kill them, what would you have had Israel do to prevent the refugee problem? When the enemy is within and want to leave, you let them. If they fight you or aid those fighting you, you send them away. Even arabs now that with blood on their hands are responsible for their houses being removed. It might seem punitive but what would you do if your own family was trying to destroy you? Would you let them or get them out of your house? Reason and a sense of belonging to Israel is not working. Trying to debunk the lies they learn in the mosques and communities is not enough. Giving them more rights and services than there arab neighbor outside Israel is not enough. Israel is not going to sacrifice itself, so what is the alternative?
Except for a few thousand, the vast majority of refugees that left did so before or in the early phase of the 1948 war. Others left gaza and the WB in '67 when Israel acquired that land. Arabs and other palestinians kept them from trying to return and labeling them and any family as traitors to "the cause", even killing them.
So what would you have had Israel do? Israel brought back in as many as applied that did not have ties to terrorism or criminal past. They allowed many to bring their land claims to court.
Refugees do not want to live in Israel as Israelis, they want to live as palestinians in a jew free land that was the mandate, or part of a greater arab state.
So what would have been your response if people don't want to stay or accept the new status of an Israeli state?

Aris, it was shown in documents in Israeli archives that there were deliberate and well orchestrated actions to drive Palestinian villagers out and prevent their return. This is well documented. The Israeli's weren't innocents here.

It was also a location for some 1200 foreign fighters to attack from and ambush the road to jerusalem. I was not the massacre that palestinians made it to be.
No, Israelis were not innocent of killings but it was far from the claims made by palestinians to anger to fight or scare them to leave. The abuses claimed were exaggerated and the attack on village not unprovoked or against unarmed civilians.
Truth like in most cases is somewhere in the middle.

 

[montelatici]

Actually, the truth is - both Israeli policies and actions as well as those of the Arab leaders are responsible for making the Palestinian's refugees.

Other than the "traitor" fighting against them and trying to kill them, what would you have had Israel do to prevent the refugee problem? When the enemy is within and want to leave, you let them. If they fight you or aid those fighting you, you send them away. Even arabs now that with blood on their hands are responsible for their houses being removed. It might seem punitive but what would you do if your own family was trying to destroy you? Would you let them or get them out of your house? Reason and a sense of belonging to Israel is not working. Trying to debunk the lies they learn in the mosques and communities is not enough. Giving them more rights and services than there arab neighbor outside Israel is not enough. Israel is not going to sacrifice itself, so what is the alternative?
Except for a few thousand, the vast majority of refugees that left did so before or in the early phase of the 1948 war. Others left gaza and the WB in '67 when Israel acquired that land. Arabs and other palestinians kept them from trying to return and labeling them and any family as traitors to "the cause", even killing them.
So what would you have had Israel do? Israel brought back in as many as applied that did not have ties to terrorism or criminal past. They allowed many to bring their land claims to court.
Refugees do not want to live in Israel as Israelis, they want to live as palestinians in a jew free land that was the mandate, or part of a greater arab state.
So what would have been your response if people don't want to stay or accept the new status of an Israeli state?

Aris, it was shown in documents in Israeli archives that there were deliberate and well orchestrated actions to drive Palestinian villagers out and prevent their return. This is well documented. The Israeli's weren't innocents here.

It was also a location for some 1200 foreign fighters to attack from and ambush the road to jerusalem. I was not the massacre that palestinians made it to be.
No, Israelis were not innocent of killings but it was far from the claims made by palestinians to anger to fight or scare them to leave. The abuses claimed were exaggerated and the attack on village not unprovoked or against unarmed civilians.
Truth like in most cases is somewhere in the middle.

As usual, the propaganda from Aris doesn't match the facts as reported by the IDF themselves:


" a report prepared by the intelligence services of the Israeli army, dated 30 June 1948 and entitled “The emigration of Palestinian Arabs in the period 1/12/1947-1/6/1948”. This document sets at 391,000 the number of Palestinians who had already left the territory that was by then in the hands of Israel, and evaluates the various factors that had prompted their decisions to leave. “At least 55% of the total of the exodus was caused by our (Haganah/IDF) operations.” To this figure, the report’s compilers add the operations of the Irgun and Lehi, which “directly (caused) some 15%... of the emigration”. A further 2% was attributed to explicit expulsion orders issued by Israeli troops, and 1% to their psychological warfare. This leads to a figure of 73% for departures caused directly by the Israelis. In addition, the report attributes 22% of the departures to “fears” and “a crisis of confidence” affecting the Palestinian population. As for Arab calls for flight, these were reckoned to be significant in only 5% of cases..."

The expulsion of the Palestinians re-examined - Le Monde diplomatique - English edition