An Invisible Hand in Gaza’s Cage
In the intricate and deeply troubling dynamics of Gaza’s isolation, the European Union (EU) has played an integral yet underexamined role. Despite its stated mission of fostering peace and ensuring human rights, the EU’s involvement in the Rafah border arrangements has inadvertently empowered Israel to maintain a tight grip on Gaza’s access to the outside world. This is a sobering reality in 2024, as Gaza continues to face staggering levels of humanitarian crisis.
A Century-Long Tug-of-War
In 1850, Palestine was home to approximately 500,000 inhabitants, predominantly Arabs. The population consisted of 400,000 Muslims (80%), 75,000 Christians, and 25,000 Jews, alongside a small Druze community. For centuries, these groups lived in relative harmony. However, the late 19th century brought a significant shift with the emergence of Zionism—a political movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in response to discrimination and violence faced by Jews in Europe. Initially, various territories were considered for this endeavor, but the Zionists ultimately chose Palestine.
