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 a defensive reaction but the latest stage in a long-standing Zionist colonial policy of 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 war on Gaza as a “defensive reaction.” However, historical evidence reveals a pattern of systematic genocide, destruction of civilian life, and deliberate attempts to uproot entire populations. These actions continue Zionist colonial policies originating in the late 19th century.
These policies aim to establish a racially pure Jewish state at the cost of Palestinian lives, using forced displacement, economic blockades, and wars. Gaza is not an exception but a central focus of this ongoing colonial strategy.
Historical roots of the conflict: Zionism and forced transfer
From the outset, Palestinians were viewed as a “demographic obstacle” to founding a Jewish state. In 1895, Theodor Herzl, founder of political Zionism, wrote 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
The Gaza conflict reflects a century-old Zionist effort focused on demographic cleansing and the creation of a Jewish state through displacement and warfare.