Solving Gaza by Dissolving Gaza?
Trump's "Crazy" Vision for Gaza
President Trump's vision for Gaza may ultimately prove to be impractical, but the concept is not "crazy." If Gazan Palestinians are truly "refugees," then, by definition, they need to be "resettled." In fact, there are precedents for Trump's suggestion. The 1947 partition of British-controlled India into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan was followed by a population transfer that involved the resettlement of over 15-million people. In the years immediately following the creation of Israel in 1948, hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from hostile Arab countries were peacefully and successfully resettled in the new Jewish state. In Israel's 1948 War of Independence, about 750,000 Palestinian Arabs evacuated Israel to "friendly" Arab territories across the Partition line. Of course, these refugees—and three generations of offspring—still remain un-settled—rejected and abandoned by their Arab and Muslim brethren. But let us be honest: their perpetual refugee status is not the fault of Israel; it is the fault of their own leaders' fanatical commitment to destroying Israel. Let us not forget that the PLO—the Palestinian Liberation Organization—was founded in 1964, three years before Israel ever "occupied" Judea and Samaria! Think about it: exactly what were the Palestinians then—and now—intending to "liberate"? The first step in solving any problem is to candidly acknowledge just what that problem is. Give Trump credit at least for doing that.