The Conflict Israel Declares Independence (1948): Why did Britain leave its mandate in Palestine?
Nov 20, 2024
Jane Corbin, a senior BBC correspondent and Middle East expert, teams up with historian James Barr to delve into the tumultuous events of 1948. They unravel the complexities behind Britain’s withdrawal from Palestine and Israel's declaration of independence. The conversation highlights the violent confrontations leading to the Nakba and the mass displacement of Palestinians. They analyze the long-term implications of these events and reflect on how historical tensions continue to influence the modern-day Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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British Mandate in Palestine
- Britain gained control of Palestine after the Ottoman Empire's collapse in 1917.
- This control was termed a 'mandate', implying future independence, but Britain aimed to retain control.
Conflicting Promises and the Balfour Declaration
- Britain made conflicting promises regarding Palestine, one to Arabs for independence and another to Jews for a homeland.
- This conflict is embodied in the Balfour Declaration, a letter expressing British support for a Jewish national home in Palestine.
Post-War Pressure and Immigration Limits
- Post-WWII, Britain faced pressure due to Jewish refugees, including Holocaust survivors, arriving in Palestine.
- Britain limited immigration with the 1939 White Paper, further escalating tensions.