Why Do Most Palestinians Who Have Left Palestine Live in Jordan?
The history of Palestinian displacement and the reasons why the majority of those forced to leave Palestine ended up in Jordan is a complex narrative filled with political, social, and economic factors. This article delves into the events that led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the 1948 and 1967 wars, and the role Jordan played in this process.
The Nakba: Forced Displacement and Jordan's Role
The term Nakba, which translates to catastrophe in Arabic, refers to the events of 1948 when around 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced. Many of these Palestinians were driven out of their homes by Zionist armed forces and their property was often stolen. The Nakba resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel, the displacement of Palestinians, and the creation of the Palestinian refugee crisis.
During the early years after the Nakba, the West Bank, which contained the bulk of the Palestinian population, was under Jordanian control. This gave the Palestinians living there the opportunity to move to and live in Jordan, even to the extent of acquiring Jordanian citizenship. This policy was part of the broader strategy by the Jordanian regime to manage the influx of refugees and alleviate pressure from the local Jordanian tribes. Thus, many Palestinians who remained in the area were able to move to Jordan and integrate into the country's society.
Post-1948 Displacement and Jordanian Citizenship
After the 1948 and 1967 wars, further waves of displacement occurred. These conflicts led to a significant number of Palestinians being displaced from what is now Israel and the Palestinian territories. Many of these displaced Palestinians ended up in refugee camps in Jordan. The Jordanian government's policy of allowing Palestinians to move freely and acquire citizenship was seen as both a humanitarian act and a strategic move to manage the demographic pressures caused by the influx of refugees.
It is important to note that the term 'Palestinian' as an ethnicity was not a widely recognized concept until the rise of prominent figures like the PLO's Yasser Arafat in the late 20th century. Before this time, Palestinians were often referred to as Arabs in the region, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
The Refugee Camps and Social Dynamics
The Palestinian refugees who moved to Jordan faced many challenges, including living in overcrowded and often underserved refugee camps. While the Jordanian government provided some support, the refugee population often resided in difficult socio-economic conditions. The situation was further complicated by the resentment and discrimination that some Jordanians felt towards the Palestinian refugees, which at times had a negative impact on the integration process.
The arrival of Palestinian refugees did not solely stem from direct orders by Arab leaders to leave. The conflict and subsequent displacements were the result of complex geopolitical events and the actions of both local and international actors. The narrative that Palestinians were told to leave so that Jews could be slaughtered is oversimplified and does not accurately reflect the historical events that transpired.
Today, the Palestinian refugee crisis remains one of the most enduring human rights issues in the Middle East. The efforts to resolve this crisis through political negotiations continue to be a significant focus of international diplomacy and human rights advocacy.