The Illustrated London News 1948
The First Arab Israel War (part 2)
(back to part 1)
As Britain withdrew from Palestine, the Illustrated London News reported with a unique mixture
of imperial detachment, visual power, and documentary depth. It covered:
The departure of British forces
The declaration of Israeli independence
The early battles for Jerusalem and the Negev
The human cost for refugees and civilians
The eventual armistice lines drawn across the map of the Middle East
The photographs in this series represent how a prominent British publication of the time viewed and portrayed this complex conflict to its readers.
This is a non-commercial project. All material is shared for educational and historical interest, and to honour the work of the journalists, artists,
and photographers who captured world events in an era before television news and digital media.
I present the images here as part of a curated historical record. (NB Dates are generally the publication date)
Photographs from July 10th 1948 - 1948
The end of British authority in Palestine: Lowering the Union flag at the port offices in Haifa on June 30th as the last British troops embarked
The last British troops leave Palestine: Embarkation scenes in Haifa on June 30th 1948
Fighting at Armageddon: Palestine between the truces July 24th 1948
Palestine after the "Cease Fire" scenes of between truce fighting July 31sy 1948
Five British nationals kidnapped by Irgun Zvai Leumi July 31st 1948
Celebrations in honour of the Forty-Fourth anniversary of the death of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern Zionism:
The flag party leading the parade in Tel Aviv August 14th 1948
Kidnapped officials of the Jerusalem Electric Corporation before an examining magistrate at
Tel Aviv: Messrs Leach, Hawkins, Bryant and Sylvester August 21st 1948
In Jerusalem; and Irgun's leader August 21st 1948
Attempting to widen the neutral zone in Jerusalem: Jewish, Egyptian and
United Nations representatives at a conference in the Jerusalem "No Man's Land" September 11th 1948
The victim of a shameful and dastardly crime: Count Bernadotte, the representative of the United Nations,
seen with his wife, when beginning the mission of peace which ended in his murder at Jerusalem September 25th 1948
Acting mediator in Palestine Dr. Ralph Bruche October 2nd 1948
The disbandment of Irgun Zval Leumi: Israeli soldiers
carrying out arms from the Irgun Zval Leumi headquarters in Katamon, Jerusalem October 9th 1948
L. On his way to address a state council meeting: Dr. Chaim Weizmann, President of the provisional state of Israel
R. Addressing a meeting of the state council of the provisional Israeli state which meets frequently to authorise legislation: Dr. Weizmann October 9th 1948
Sentenced by the Jews to seven years imprisonment: Mr. Sylvester
of the Jerusalem Electric Corporation October 23rd 1948
Marching to headquarters in Jerusalem after their relief had been effected:
Jewish Police who have spent three months on Mount Scopus return to the Israeli sector October 23rd 1948
Palestine fighting in the Negeb
top. The beginning of the Jewish breakthrough into the Negeb:
an Egyptian strongpoint
on the Majdal-Faluja area under attack from Israeli forces
mid. Charging to the relief of the Negeb Jewish settlements:
Israeli infantry advancing during the breakthrough the Egyptian lines in recent fighting
bott. Egyptian fieldgun emplacements in Beersheba, whose capture by the Jews and recapture
by the Egyptians were both claimed on October 21
The Egyptian Debacle in south Palestine: A decisive Israeli victory in the Negeb
Where a neutral zone maybe established: Negev scenes after the Israeli victories November 20th 1948
top. Dr Bunche, the acting mediator being protected
bottom right. On trial in Acre: Nathan FriedmannYellin, leader of the stern gang (right) and Matityahu Shmuelevitz (centre) December 18th 1948
The First Arab Israel War (part 3) 1949
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