Gaza Civilians 'Hope' to Return Home, World 'Hopes' They Forget History
Al Jazeera reports that displaced Palestinians in Deir el-Balah 'hope' to return home amid ceasefire talks, a human desire tragically disconnected from political realities. This hope conveniently ignores over 75 years of similar 'hopes' dashed against the rocks of geopolitics. Since the 1948 Nakba, the promise of return has been a recurring mirage, notably after the 1967 war and countless 'peace
processes' that solidified displacement. Netanyahu himself, along with former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, publicly opposed any right of return, and their governments, backed by billions in U.S. aid, have consistently ensured that 'return' remains a dream. We might ask, how many times must a population be promised return before the promise itself becomes an act of psychological warfare?
The Biden administration, while expressing 'concern,' continues to approve arms transfers, including 2,000-pound bombs, directly facilitating the very destruction that creates this displacement. (As reported by The Washington Post, March 29, 2024). It appears some civilian lives are simply more expendable than others.