Gaza under siege: The continuation of Zionist demographic cleansing policies since the 19th century- UCA News

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 response but part of a long-standing Zionist colonial policy focused on demographic cleansing and forced displacement.

People loading belongings onto a truck
People loading their belongings onto a truck in an undated photo. (Photo: Pearls & Irritations)

Contrary to Israeli Propaganda

Israeli narratives frame the war on Gaza as a “defensive reaction.” However, the historical record shows systematic genocide, destruction of civilian life, and deliberate uprooting of entire populations. These actions continue Zionist colonial strategies dating back to the late 19th century.

Goals of Zionist Colonial Policies

These policies consistently aim to establish a racially pure Jewish state by displacing Palestinians through:

Gaza is not an exception but a primary target of this ongoing colonial project.

Historical Roots of the Conflict: Zionism and Forced Transfer

From its inception, the Zionist movement viewed Palestinians as a demographic obstacle to statehood. 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 reflects the early intent to reshape the population landscape to favor a Jewish state.

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ucanews.com ucanews.com — 2025-11-04