The Nakba, which means ‘the catastrophe’ in Arabic is a heart-wrenching chapter of
upheaval, despair, and shattering of Palestinian life. Born in the crucible of the 1948 Arab-
Israeli War, the Nakba unfolds as a tragic tale of mass displacement, where the very fabric of
Palestinian society, culture and identity was torn apart.
In May 1948, with the flood of blood, the new Jewish state of Israel was declared, claiming
78% of the land and forcing 700,000 Palestinians to flee, over 5000 villages destroyed by the Zionist militias casting a lasting impact on Palestinian society by denying them the right to
return. The Nakba isn’t just history; it’s a tragic story of people losing homes and dreams.
Gaza Today: A Human Tragedy
Now, fast forward to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, tensions have
escalated since October 7, 2023. The Gaza Strip witnessed devastating consequences, with
over 14,000 civilians, including children losing their lives in intense Israeli bombings. The
scale of destruction has been likened to the aftermath of nuclear bombs in Hiroshima.
Let’s unfold Israel’s latent desires and how the history is repeating itself-
1.Nuclear Threat and Deeper Agendas:
Israel’s Minister of Heritage hints at a possible nuclear strike on Gaza, dismissing the Northern Strip’s right to exist, suggesting a deeper agenda beyond Hamas.
2.Call to Erase Gaza and ‘New Nakba’:
Israeli MP Distel Atbaryan calls to erase all of Gaza, reflecting a clear goal to eliminate or relocate Palestinians, resembling a ‘new Nakba’ in the name of ending Hamas.
3.Historical Displacement Pattern:
Palestinians face recurrent displacement; UN investigators in June 2022 report Israel’s pursuit of complete control over Palestinians through forced displacement, unequal law, and settlements.
4.West Bank Evacuations Amid Ongoing Attacks:
Palestinian homes evacuated in the West Bank as attacks on Gaza persist, forcing repeated Palestinian displacement, echoing the fears of refugees in southern Gaza of never returning north.
5.Strategic Interests in Gaza:
Israel’s interest includes controlling offshore natural gas, with recent actions coinciding with exploration licenses for companies like British Petroleum. The proposed Ben Gurion Canal aims to reduce reliance on Egypt, with the potential alignment influenced by a devastating event like genocide. Complete access to Gaza is integral to this plan.
‘‘The ‘Gaza Nakba’ must be rejected, not just in words, but through strong Arab and international action, to prevent Israel from taking advantage of another war to drive Palestinians from their homeland. They must also work to hold Israel accountable for war crimes past and present, from the original Nakba in 1948.’’– Ramzy Baroud, a journalist
and author
The Israel-Palestine issue is complex, involving history, religion, geopolitics, and more.
Advocating against genocide, countering disinformation, and preserving Palestinian
humanity become vital. Globally, voices against Israel rise, calling for a cease-fire, with many
Jews joining the chorus against ongoing genocide.
