Gaza under Siege: The Continuation of Zionist Demographic Cleansing Policies Since the 19th Century
This op-ed by Refaat Ibrahim contends that the Gaza war is not a mere defensive response but the latest phase in a century-long Zionist colonial agenda aimed at demographic cleansing and forced displacement.
People are seen loading their belongings onto a truck in this undated photo. (Photo: Pearls & Irritations)
Israeli propaganda portrays the conflict in Gaza as a "defensive reaction." However, the historical evidence reveals a far grimmer reality: systematic genocide, destruction of civilian life, and deliberate efforts to uproot entire communities. These actions continue the Zionist colonial strategies initiated in the late 19th century.
The objective has consistently been to establish a racially exclusive Jewish state by displacing Palestinians through forced removals, economic blockades, and orchestrated warfare. Gaza, far from being an anomaly, remains a central focus of this ongoing colonial policy.
Historical Roots of the Conflict: Zionism and Forced Transfer
From its inception, the Zionist movement viewed Palestinians as a "demographic obstacle" to Jewish statehood. In 1895, Theodor Herzl, the political Zionism founder, noted in his diary:
“The removal of the Arabs from Palestine must form part of the Zionist plan. The poor population can be transferred across the border by denying them employment. This must be done quietly and carefully.”
Summary
This analysis highlights Gaza as a focal point in a long-standing colonial effort marked by systematic displacement and demographic manipulation driven by Zionist policies.
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