Palestine History Series: Episode 7 – The British Mandate Period (1917–1948)

In this seventh installment of our series, we delve into the British Mandate period in Palestine, a transformative era marked by geopolitical shifts, demographic changes, and escalating conflicts that profoundly impacted both Arab and Jewish communities.

Establishment of the British Mandate

Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the League of Nations formalized British control over Palestine through the Mandate system. Officially commencing in 1923, the British Mandate incorporated the Balfour Declaration of 1917, in which Britain expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This commitment conflicted with prior assurances to Arab leaders, notably through the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence, promising support for Arab independence in exchange for their revolt against Ottoman rule. These contradictory promises sowed the seeds of future discord.

Demographic and Social Changes

During the Mandate period, significant waves of Jewish immigration, driven by European anti-Semitism and the Zionist movement, altered Palestine's demographic landscape. The Jewish population increased from approximately 11% in 1922 to around 31% by 1947. This influx led to the establishment of Jewish agricultural settlements (kibbutzim) and urban centers, transforming the socio-economic fabric of the region.

Concurrently, the Arab Palestinian population, comprising Muslims and Christians, experienced political and social mobilization in response to these demographic shifts. The rise of Palestinian nationalism was characterized by efforts to assert political rights and preserve the Arab identity of Palestine.

Tensions and Conflicts

The Mandate era was marked by escalating tensions between Jewish and Arab communities, leading to numerous violent confrontations and significant casualties.

• Nebi Musa Riots (April 1920): Triggered by inflammatory rhetoric during an Arab rally, these riots resulted in the deaths of 4 Arabs, with numerous injuries.

• Jaffa Riots (May 1921): Originating from clashes between Jewish factions, the violence escalated as Arabs joined the fray, culminating in the deaths of 48 Arabs and hundreds wounded.

• 1929 Palestine Riots: Sparked by disputes over religious sites, particularly the Western Wall, these disturbances led to the deaths of 116 Arabs.

• 1936–1939 Arab Revolt: A significant uprising against British colonial rule and mass Jewish immigration, the revolt resulted in approximately 5,000 Arab deaths, 15,000 wounded, and 108 executions.

British Policies and Responses

In response to the unrest, Britain implemented various policies, including the 1939 White Paper, which limited Jewish immigration and land purchases. This policy aimed to appease the Arab population but was met with strong opposition from Zionist groups, especially in the context of the Holocaust and the desperate need for Jewish refuge.

End of the Mandate and Partition Plan

Post-World War II, Britain faced increasing pressure to resolve the conflict in Palestine. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to create separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab representatives, leading to further violence. On May 14, 1948, the British Mandate officially ended, and the State of Israel declared independence, triggering the first Arab-Israeli war.

Conclusion

The British Mandate period was a pivotal chapter in Palestine's history, characterized by colonial governance, demographic transformations, and escalating conflicts that resulted in significant casualties among both Arab and Jewish communities. The policies and events of this era laid the groundwork for the complex and ongoing conflict that continues to shape the region.

Join us in the next episode as we explore the 1948 Nakba and its profound impact on the Palestinian people and their enduring quest for justice and self-determination.