The al-Maghrabi Building Massacre in Haifa – January 16, 1948

On January 16, 1948, a bombing struck the al-Maghrabi building and its surroundings on Salah al-Din Street in Haifa. According to the Palestinian National and Political Guidance Commission, the explosion killed 31 Palestinians and injured more than 60 others.

Disguised as British Soldiers

According to the commission’s account, members of a Zionist armed group, disguised as British soldiers, entered a warehouse near the al-Maghrabi building under the pretext of conducting a search and planted a time bomb inside.

Destruction and Civilian Casualties

The explosion demolished the al-Maghrabi building and neighboring structures, leaving dozens dead or wounded. Palestinian accounts state that the victims included men, women, and children.

The incident became known as the “al-Maghrabi Building Massacre,” taking its name from the building associated with the bombing. It documents one of the attacks that Haifa witnessed in the months preceding the Nakba.