The term "Palestinian Nakba" refers to the mass displacement of Palestinian Arabs that occurred during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Following the establishment of the state of Israel, approximately 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. This event is considered a significant turning point in Palestinian history and identity. The word "Nakba" means "catastrophe" in Arabic, reflecting the profound loss and trauma experienced by Palestinians. Many of those displaced became refugees in neighboring countries, while others remained in what is now Israel and the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Nakba continues to influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict today.