Ovaj izvještaj dokumentira bombardiranje hotela King David u Jeruzalemu 22. srpnja 1946., jedan od najznačajnijih akata političkog nasilja tijekom britanskog mandata u Palestini. Hotel je služio kao zapovjedno središte britanskih vojnih operacija i palestinske vlade. Eksplozija je rezultirala katastrofalnim gubicima: 65 potvrđenih smrtnih slučajeva, 58 osoba nestalih i pretpostavljenih mrtvima, te gotovo 50 ozlijeđenih. Židovska teroristička organizacija Irgun Zvai Leumi preuzela je odgovornost za napad. Vođe Židovske agencije javno su osudile bombardiranje kao 'podlo zločin' koji su počinili 'desperadosi'. Incident je izazvao trenutne međunarodne reakcije: britanski premijer Attlee izjavio je da vlada neće biti obeshrabrena nasiljem u potrazi za rješenjem palestinskog problema, dok je američki predsjednik Truman osudio taj čin kao 'besmisleni terorizam' i naznačio da su američki i britanski dužnosnici razgovarali o provedbi preporuka Anglo-američkog palestinskog odbora. Britanska javnost očekivala je objave politike usmjerene na sprečavanje daljnjih gubitaka života.
Key Points
- The King David Hotel bombing on July 22, 1946, killed 65 people and left 58 missing, with conditions comparable to wartime air raid casualties.
- The hotel housed British Army headquarters and Palestine government offices, making it a strategic target.
- The Jewish terrorist organisation Irgun Zvai Leumi openly admitted responsibility for the bombing.
- Jewish Agency leaders publicly condemned the attack, describing it as a crime by 'desperadoes' rather than endorsing or minimising it.
- British Prime Minister Attlee declared the government would not be diverted by violence in seeking a 'just and final solution' to the Palestine problem.
- U.S. President Truman condemned the bombing as 'wanton terrorism' and announced American-British coordination on implementing the Anglo-American Palestine Committee's recommendations.
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On July 22, 1946, the King David Hotel in Jerusalem—housing British Army headquarters and Palestine government offices—was bombed by the Jewish terrorist organisation Irgun Zvai Leumi, killing 65 people and leaving 58 missing with little hope of survival. The attack prompted international condemnation from British and American leadership and calls for a resolution to the Palestine conflict.
Summary
This account documents the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem on July 22, 1946, one of the most significant acts of political violence during the British Mandate period in Palestine. The hotel served as the command centre for British military operations and the Palestine government. The explosion resulted in catastrophic casualties: 65 confirmed deaths, 58 persons missing and presumed dead, and nearly 50 injured. The Jewish terrorist organisation Irgun Zvai Leumi claimed responsibility for the attack. Jewish Agency leaders publicly denounced the bombing as a 'dastardly crime' perpetrated by 'desperadoes.' The incident sparked immediate international responses: British Prime Minister Attlee stated that the government would not be deterred by violence in pursuing a solution to the Palestine problem, while U.S. President Truman condemned the act as 'wanton terrorism' and indicated that American and British officials were conferring on implementation of recommendations from the Anglo-American Palestine Committee. The British public anticipated policy announcements aimed at preventing further loss of life.
Key takeaways
- The King David Hotel bombing on July 22, 1946, killed 65 people and left 58 missing, with conditions comparable to wartime air raid casualties.
- The hotel housed British Army headquarters and Palestine government offices, making it a strategic target.
- The Jewish terrorist organisation Irgun Zvai Leumi openly admitted responsibility for the bombing.
- Jewish Agency leaders publicly condemned the attack, describing it as a crime by 'desperadoes' rather than endorsing or minimising it.
- British Prime Minister Attlee declared the government would not be diverted by violence in seeking a 'just and final solution' to the Palestine problem.
- U.S. President Truman condemned the bombing as 'wanton terrorism' and announced American-British coordination on implementing the Anglo-American Palestine Committee's recommendations.
- The British public anticipated new policy announcements intended to prevent further casualties in Palestine.
Full article
The Scene and Casualties
The bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem resulted in a tragic scene comparable to incidents during wartime air raids. The hotel housed the British Army headquarters and the Palestine government offices. Casualties were very heavy, with 65 deaths reported and little or no hope of survival for any of the 58 missing persons. Nearly 50 others were injured in the attack.
Responsibility and Arrests
The Jewish terrorist organisation Irgun Zvai Leumi openly admitted responsibility for the bombing. Many arrests were subsequently made in connection with the incident. Leaders of the Jewish Agency expressed horror at what they described as a dastardly crime perpetrated by a gang of desperadoes.
Official Responses
Mr. Attlee, speaking in the House of Commons, declared that the British government would not be diverted by acts of violence in their search for a just and final solution of the Palestine problem. President Truman, condemning the wanton act of terrorism, added that America and Britain were conferring on steps to be taken to implement the report of the Anglo-American Palestine Committee. The people of Britain anxiously awaited the announcement of a policy which would prevent the loss of any more innocent lives.
Topics#King David Hotel bombing#July 22 1946#Irgun Zvai Leumi#Palestine Mandate period#British-American response#Terrorism and political violence#Historical casualty report