Jabalia is a Palestinian refugee camp located in the northern Gaza Strip. It is one of the largest and oldest Palestinian refugee camps in the region, with a population of approximately 85,000 people. The camp was established in 1949 following the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Since then, Jabalia has become a symbol of the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Jabalia’s history is rooted in the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the Nakba. During this conflict, over 750,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes and villages, many of which were destroyed. As a result, many Palestinians sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. However, many Palestinians were unable to find refuge in these countries and instead sought refuge in the Gaza Strip, which was then under Egyptian control.
In 1949, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) established Jabalia as a refugee camp to provide shelter and aid to the Palestinian refugees. The camp was initially located on the outskirts of Gaza City, but in 1956 it was relocated to its current location in the northern Gaza Strip.
Since its establishment, Jabalia has grown significantly in size and population. The camp is now home to over 85,000 Palestinians, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip. The camp is divided into 17 neighborhoods, each of which is divided into blocks. The camp is also home to a number of schools, health centers, and other services.
Throughout its history, Jabalia has been a center of resistance against the Israeli occupation. The camp has seen numerous clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces, as well as several military incursions. In 2002, the Israeli military conducted a major offensive in the camp, which lasted for several weeks and resulted in the destruction of much of the camp’s infrastructure. In 2014, the camp was once again targeted by Israeli forces during the 50-day conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Today, Jabalia remains a symbol of the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination. Despite the challenges it has faced, the camp is a vibrant community and a source of hope for Palestinians in the region.