Tensions in Jaffa escalated in early May 1921, leading to violence amid growing grievances between the Jewish and Arab populations. The underlying causes of the conflict were complex, involving issues such as immigration, land ownership, and political aspirations under British Mandate rule. These feathers were already ruffled by previous incidents, which had created an atmosphere of resilience and unrest among both communities. As protests and confrontations became more pointed, a series of violent confrontations erupted in the streets of the city.

The Jaffa riots began on the first of May, triggered by a clash between Jewish and Arab youths. This altercation quickly descended into widespread rioting, with participants engaging in violent confrontations. Buildings were torched, properties were looted, and the streets became a battleground for escalating tensions, drawing in individuals from surrounding areas and solidifying community divisions. By mid-May, reports indicated significant casualties and injuries, prompting urgent responses from the British authorities, who were grappling with maintaining order in the volatile environment of Mandatory Palestine.

In the aftermath, extensive efforts were made by the British Mandate authorities to quell further unrest. The riots illustrated the challenges faced by the British government in addressing the conflicting national aspirations and societal divides that marked Palestine during this period. Discussions on creating a more inclusive political framework gained momentum, as the events in Jaffa laid bare the urgent need for action to prevent further clashes. The riots served as a stark sign that the tensions between the Jewish and Arab communities were reaching a boiling point and required immediate attention.