PLO official: The Nakba “catastrophe” for the Palestinian people began in 1917 with the Balfour Declaration

PLO Department of Refugee Affairs Director-General Anwar Hammam: "When we say Nakba (i.e., the establishment of Israel) or Naksa (i.e., the Six Day War) or the war of annihilation (i.e., Oct. 7 war), all of this indicates one thing and that is the Nakba of the Palestinian Arab people, which began 78 years ago (i.e., with the establishment of Israel). It began with the Balfour Promise, that ominous promise given to those who do not deserve it, a promise for the land of Palestine… From that date until today, these Nakbas continue."

[Official PA TV, Palestine This Morning, June 7, 2026]

The Nakba means "the catastrophe" and is a Palestinian term for the establishment of the State of Israel.

The Naksa means "the setback" and is a Palestinian term for Israel's victory in the Six Day War.