The Hindu: Published on 6th Feb 2025:
Why in News?
The ongoing war in Gaza has displaced more than 1.7 million Palestinians, surpassing the number of refugees from the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about permanently resettling displaced Palestinians outside Gaza and the U.S. taking "ownership" of the territory have intensified fears of another mass expulsion, akin to the Nakba (catastrophe) of 1948.
Historical Context
In 1948, around 7,00,000 Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled during and after the Arab-Israeli war that followed Israel’s creation.
Israel denied their right to return, making them a permanent refugee community, now numbering six million, spread across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The refugee issue remains one of the core disputes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Current Crisis and Comparisons to 1948
The war triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack has killed over 47,000 Palestinians.
Around 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced within Gaza, often multiple times, due to continuous Israeli military operations.
Many Palestinians, including elderly survivors of the 1948 Nakba, see this as a repeat of history but on an even worse scale.
Trump's Remarks and Global Reactions
Trump suggested permanently resettling Palestinians outside Gaza and proposed U.S. involvement in governing the enclave.
Israel’s far-right elements promote “voluntary emigration” as a solution.
The international community strongly opposes any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Humanitarian Concerns and Future Uncertainty
- Conditions in Gaza are dire, with 4,50,000 people living in makeshift camps.
- The UN estimates it may take until 2040 to rebuild homes.
- Many fear they will never be able to return, even if they are not expelled.
- The closure of Gaza’s borders by Israel and Egypt limits options for civilians seeking refuge.
Broader Implications
- The destruction in Gaza is being compared to the systematic erasure of Palestinian villages in 1948.
- Rights groups accuse Israel of long-term policies aimed at Palestinian displacement, including settlement expansion and home demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- The conflict remains deeply rooted in historical grievances, making a peaceful resolution increasingly difficult.
Conclusion
The war in Gaza has reignited fears of a second Nakba, with displacement, destruction, and geopolitical tensions reaching unprecedented levels. Trump’s remarks, along with Israel’s military actions and settlement policies, have raised concerns about the future of Palestinians in Gaza and beyond.
