Nakba Unfolding in the Occupied West Bank : Analysis

Israeli Actions in Gaza and the West Bank Lead to Concerns of Ethnic Cleansing

The recent actions of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip have raised concerns about Israel’s intentions towards the Palestinian population. Reports indicate that not only are civilians being killed by the Israeli military, but also that infrastructure essential for sustaining life, such as hospitals, schools, and water treatment plants, is being targeted. These actions have made Gaza virtually uninhabitable, forcing Palestinians into dire conditions. However, this is not an isolated incident, as Israel’s ethnic cleansing efforts extend to the occupied West Bank.

It is important to acknowledge that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be separated from the broader Palestinian context. The target of Israeli crimes is not just Hamas or the Gaza Strip, but rather the Palestinian existence in all of historical Palestine. This fact has been openly acknowledged by the forefathers of the Israeli state, such as Joseph Weitz, who wrote in his diary in 1940 about the need to transfer Arabs out of the region.

While the Jewish militias that established Israel in 1948 were unable to take over the West Bank and Gaza at the time, due to international pressure and limited military capabilities, these territories provided destinations for Palestinians expelled from other areas. Since the 1967 war, Israel has pursued various plans to annex parts or the entirety of the West Bank and Gaza, while pushing the Palestinian population into isolated areas or neighboring Jordan and Egypt.

The construction of illegal Israeli settlements throughout the West Bank is a direct result of these plans. These settlements, along with policies that restrict Palestinian access to land and resources, have harmed Palestinian livelihoods and self-sufficiency. The ultimate goal of these actions is to force the Palestinian population to leave.

In the past year, Israel has intensified these policies, resulting in an alarming number of Palestinian fatalities. According to the UN, the year 2023 is on track to be the deadliest for Palestinians in the West Bank since the UN began documenting fatalities in 2006. Israeli forces and settlers have killed approximately 248 Palestinians, including 45 children. The Israeli military and the Palestinian Authority security forces have undertaken violent raids and massacres across the West Bank, particularly in the northern districts. Settler attacks on Palestinian communities have also increased.

These actions have had a devastating impact on the Palestinian economy, with transportation paralysed and day laborers struggling to earn a living. Food stocks are dwindling, and imports are delayed at Israeli ports. The health sector is overwhelmed, and hospitals are being besieged by Israeli forces. Palestinians are subjected to abuse and torture in detention, and the Israeli settlers have become more violent, carrying out forced expulsions of Palestinian communities.

It is important to note that the author of this article has expressed their own viewpoint, and it may not necessarily align with the editorial stance of Al Jazeera. Additionally, it is essential to approach this article with a critical lens and consider the credibility of sources and potential biases.

Analysis:

The article presents information about the Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, focusing on concerns of ethnic cleansing. The author highlights the targeting of civilians and essential infrastructure, as well as the history of Israeli plans for annexation and expulsion. The author also raises concerns about the impact on the Palestinian economy and the health sector.

However, it is important to note that the article lacks a balanced portrayal of the situation. The sources cited are primarily opinion pieces and sources that align with the author’s viewpoint. This raises questions about the overall reliability and objectivity of the information presented.

The article also does not provide alternative perspectives or include voices from the Israeli side. This one-sided presentation contributes to a potential lack of understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and may limit the reader’s ability to form an unbiased opinion.

Furthermore, the article’s language is highly emotive and uses terms such as “genocidal goals,” “ethnic cleansing,” and “apartheid states,” which could be seen as inflammatory and subjective. The article lacks empirical evidence to support such strong claims and relies heavily on quotes from historical figures.

Considering the political landscape and prevalence of fake news, it is important for readers to critically evaluate the reliability of sources and perspective presented in articles like these. The polarized nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict contributes to the prevalence of biased reporting, misinformation, and the shaping of public opinion based on personal beliefs or political affiliations. It is crucial for readers to seek out multiple sources and perspectives to gain a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

Source: Aljazeera news: A Nakba is unfolding in the occupied West Bank, too