“How many civilians fled Lydda and Ramleh over 10—11 July, before the capture of the towns, is unclear. Dani HQ reported ‘serious general flight’ from Ramleh already on the morning of 10 July. The flight gained momentum during the night of 11-12 July, after the withdrawal from Ramleh of the Arab Legion Company based there. Yiftah HQ had apparently initiated contact on 10 July with Ramleh’s notables to bring about a surrender.”

Source: Morris, Benny. The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited. P426.