Gaza under Siege: Continuation of Zionist Demographic Policies
This op-ed by Refaat Ibrahim contends that the Gaza war is not merely a defensive response but the latest stage in a long-standing Zionist colonial strategy focused on demographic cleansing and forced displacement.
People are seen loading their belongings onto a truck in this undated photo. (Photo: Pearls & Irritations)
Israeli propaganda tries to present the war on Gaza as a “defensive reaction.” Yet the historical record tells a very different story: systematic genocide, the destruction of civilian life and deliberate attempts to uproot entire populations.
These actions continue Zionist colonial policies that began in the late 19th century. The ultimate goal has been to establish a racially pure Jewish state at the expense of Palestinians, using forced displacement, economic blockades, and deliberate wars.
Historical Origins of the Conflict: Zionism and Forced Transfer
From its inception, the Zionist movement viewed Palestinians as a “demographic obstacle” to the creation of a Jewish state. In 1895, Theodor Herzl, the 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.”
This article traces these historical roots and demonstrates that Gaza is not an isolated case but a central target of an ongoing colonial strategy.
Key Points
- The Gaza war reflects a continuation of century-old Zionist policies, not a defensive reaction.
- These policies have consistently aimed at demographic cleansing and displacement of Palestinians.
- Theodor Herzl explicitly advocated for the quiet and careful removal of the Arab population as part of the Zionist plan.
- Gaza remains a primary focus within this long-term colonial agenda.
Author's summary: The Gaza conflict is deeply rooted in a century-old Zionist colonial agenda focused on forced displacement and demographic cleansing, making Gaza a key target in these ongoing policies.