Chronicles

In 1948, Jaffa, one of the most significant and historic cities in Palestine, became a pivotal site during the Nakba. The city, once a vibrant hub of Palestinian culture and commerce, was captured by Jewish militants as part of a broader Zionist campaign to establish the state of Israel.

The operation to capture Jaffa, known as Operation Hametz, was launched in April 1948 to conquer surrounding towns and cut off the city. British forces, which had maintained a presence during the Mandate period, withdrew from Jaffa, creating a vacuum that intensified the conflict. On May 13, 1948, Jewish forces successfully seized control of the city.

The capture of Jaffa led to the forced expulsion of many Palestinian residents, who fled amid intense fighting and fear of violence. Properties left behind were confiscated, altering the demographic and cultural landscape of the city permanently. Once a thriving port city with a diverse population, Jaffa became a symbol of loss for Palestinians and a strategic gain for the nascent Israeli state.