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 phase of a systematic, century-old Zionist policy 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 and Historical Reality
Israeli propaganda portrays the war on Gaza as a “defensive reaction.” However, historical evidence depicts a very different reality: 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, aimed at creating a racially pure Jewish state by displacing Palestinians through force, economic blockades, and wars.
Historical Roots of the Conflict: Zionism and Forced Transfer
From its inception, the Zionist movement viewed Palestinians as a “demographic obstacle” to establishing 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.”
Gaza is not an exception but a primary target of these ongoing colonial strategies.
Key Aspects of Zionist Policies
- Forced displacement of Palestinians
- Economic blockade imposed on Gaza
- Deliberate wars to achieve demographic goals
Overall Impact
The Palestinian population has faced persistent attempts at uprooting and displacement as part of a deliberate effort to establish a racially homogeneous Jewish state, continuing for over a century.
Author’s Summary
The Gaza war reflects a long-standing colonial plan of demographic cleansing rooted in Zionist ideology, not merely a defensive conflict.