Gaza Palestinians Confront Threats of a “Second Nakba”
-
Background
Sufian Abu Ghassan, a 70-year-old Palestinian, returned to his destroyed home in northern Gaza after a ceasefire paused Israel’s 15-month war. While relieved by the cessation of mass killings, the destruction of his business and home and the lack of basic provisions make life difficult. Despite these hardships, Abu Ghassan and many other Palestinians remain determined not to be displaced. -
The Nakba’s Legacy
The Nakba of 1948, which saw over 750,000 Palestinians expelled from their land, continues to resonate in Gaza. Seventy-seven years later, 70% of Gaza’s population are descendants of those displaced, and Israel’s current threats of a “second Nakba” aim to expel millions from what remains of their homeland. -
Israel’s Current Threats
On February 17, Israeli drones broadcasted threats of a “second and third Nakba” targeting Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed over 62,600 Palestinians, is viewed by many as a step toward ethnic cleansing. Despite this, Palestinians, including Abu Ghassan, refuse to leave, with some even declaring that dying in Gaza is preferable to being uprooted again. -
Trump’s Gaza Plan
Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan has gained widespread support in Israel, with 80% of Jewish Israelis backing the plan. Critics, however, argue that it would amount to ethnic cleansing and further violate international law. -
Denial of the Nakba
Israel continues to deny its responsibility for the Nakba, with many Israelis believing Palestinians were “accidentally” displaced. However, historical evidence indicates that Zionist militias deliberately forced Palestinians out, with systematic violence and destruction of villages. -
Psychological Warfare and Global Reactions
Palestinians see Israel’s threats as psychological warfare, refusing to be intimidated. Despite the devastation, they remain resolute in their determination to stay, with some asserting that nothing Israel does will surprise them anymore. International law experts warn that forced displacement would further exacerbate the violation of Palestinian rights. -
Resilience of Palestinians
Despite the ongoing violence and destruction, Palestinians in Gaza continue to resist Israel’s threats, determined to survive and protect their land and history. Their defiance remains a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights.
