The 1948 Palestinian exodus from Lydda and Ramla began around July 12, 1948, when 50,000 70,000 Palestinian residents fled or were expelled as Israeli troops moved into the towns. Israel's military action occurred within the context of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, triggered when five Arab states invaded the area following its declaration of independence on May 14. Both towns, which had been Arab areas in Palestine, became predominantly Jewish areas in the new state of Israel, with Lydda becoming known as Lod