Gaza under Siege: The Continuation of Zionist Demographic Cleansing Policies Since the 19th Century
This op-ed by Refaat Ibrahim argues that the Gaza war is not merely a defensive reaction but rather the latest phase of a long-standing Zionist colonial policy focused on demographic cleansing and forced displacement.
Israeli Propaganda vs Historical Reality
Israeli propaganda portrays the war on Gaza as a “defensive reaction.” However, historical evidence reveals a far grimmer reality marked by systemic genocide, devastation of civilian life, and intentioned uprooting of Palestinian populations. These actions continue Zionist colonial strategies beginning in the late 19th century.
Goals of Zionist Colonial Policies
Since their inception, Zionist policies have aimed to establish a racially exclusive Jewish state by displacing Palestinians through:
- Forced displacement
- Economic blockades
- Deliberate military conflicts
Gaza represents not an exception but a focal point of this ongoing colonial agenda.
Historical Roots: Zionism and Forced Transfer
Palestinians were perceived as a “demographic obstacle” by early Zionist leaders. In 1895, Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism, recorded 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.”
This statement reflects foundational policies aimed at altering the region's demographic composition to secure a Jewish majority state.
Author’s Summary
The Gaza conflict reflects a century-old, deliberate Zionist effort to forcibly displace Palestinians and establish demographic dominance through ongoing colonial policies.