Empire 301. Gaza: The First Arab-Israeli War & The Creation of The Gaza Strip (Part 11)
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Oct 22, 2025 
Eugene Rogan, a renowned professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, dives deep into the complexities surrounding the First Arab-Israeli War. He explores how Arab nations responded to the 1948 Palestinian displacement, shedding light on General Nasser's presence in Gaza. The discussion includes the staggering increase in Gaza's population due to influxing refugees and the dire conditions they faced. Rogan also addresses the global response to Israel's statehood and the long-term implications of these historical events.
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Partition Rejection Set The Stage
- The UN partition plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, creating immediate political rupture.
- That split set the stage for armed conflict once the British withdrew in May 1948.
Declaration Precipitated Immediate War
- David Ben-Gurion declared the state of Israel on 14 May 1948 and framed it as both defensive and peaceful toward neighbors who accepted it.
- That declaration immediately led to full-scale war as neighboring Arab states mobilized.
Arab Armies Were Fragmented And Uneven
- Arab states entered the conflict with mistrust among themselves and uncoordinated forces, limiting effectiveness.
- Egypt and Transjordan were the militarily significant states, while others contributed smaller or slower forces.
