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 the latest phase of a long-standing Zionist colonial policy involving demographic cleansing and forced displacement.
Zionist propaganda vs. historical reality
Israeli propaganda portrays the war on Gaza as a “defensive reaction.” However, historical evidence shows a pattern of systematic genocide, destruction of civilian life, and deliberate uprooting of entire populations.
All of this is a direct continuation of Zionist colonial policies that began in the late 19th century.
These policies aim to establish a racially pure Jewish state at the expense of Palestinians, using forced displacement, economic blockades, and deliberate wars.
Historical roots of the conflict: Zionism and forced transfer
From its inception, the Zionist movement viewed Palestinians as a "demographic obstacle" to creating a Jewish state. In 1895, Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism, wrote:
“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 reveals the deliberate strategy to displace Palestinians as a central Zionist objective, sustained through the decades to the present day.
Conclusion
Gaza is not an isolated case but a key target in an enduring colonial project aimed at demographic transformation in favor of Zionist goals.
“These policies have always aimed to create a racially pure Jewish state at the expense of the Palestinians, through forced displacement, economic blockade and deliberate wars.”
Author’s summary: The Gaza conflict reflects a century-long Zionist policy focused on demographic cleansing to establish a Jewish state, with Gaza as a primary and ongoing target.