Gaza Strip

Gaza Strip in Palestine

Gaza Strip map2

OCHA OpT September 2023 map of the Gaza Strip

Gaza Strip (997008872766305171

Che Guevara in Gaza

Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip is a narrow piece of territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Egypt to the southwest for 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) and Israel to the east and north along a 51 km (32 mi) border. Gaza and its surrounding areas have been under various forms of control and governance throughout history, from ancient Egyptians to the modern State of Israel, with a significant period of control by the Ottoman Empire and later the British Empire under the British Mandate for Palestine.

History

The history of the Gaza Strip is marked by prolonged conflict and struggle. The area has been inhabited since at least the 15th century BCE, with its history characterized by various periods of foreign control. In the 20th century, the Gaza Strip was part of the British Mandate for Palestine until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which led to the first Arab-Israeli war. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Egypt administered the Gaza Strip until it was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. In 1994, control of Gaza was transferred to the newly formed Palestinian Authority as part of the Oslo Accords, which aimed to pave the way for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Geography

The Gaza Strip is characterized by its dense population, limited land area, and a semi-arid climate. It has a total area of 365 square kilometers (141 sq mi), making it one of the most densely populated territories in the world. The region's largest city is Gaza City, which serves as the political and economic hub of the Gaza Strip.

Demographics

As of the early 21st century, the Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2 million people, the majority of whom are Palestinian Arabs. The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a small Christian minority. The territory's demographic profile is marked by a high birth rate and a young population, with a significant portion under the age of 18.

Economy

The economy of the Gaza Strip is severely restricted by the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007, following the takeover of the territory by Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic organization. The blockade has limited imports, exports, and the movement of people, severely impacting the Gazan economy. Agriculture, manufacturing, and services are the main sectors, but the economy is heavily dependent on aid from international donors.

Politics

The political situation in the Gaza Strip is complex and volatile. Since 2007, the territory has been governed by Hamas, which Israel, the United States, and the European Union classify as a terrorist organization. This governance contrasts with the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank and seeks international recognition for a Palestinian state. The division between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority has been a significant obstacle to peace negotiations with Israel.

Conflict

The Gaza Strip has been the focal point of numerous conflicts between Israel and Palestinian groups. The most significant of these have been the Gaza Wars in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014, which resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. The conflicts have exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Gaza, leading to widespread international concern.

Humanitarian Situation

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is dire, with residents facing shortages of electricity, clean water, and medical supplies. The blockade has restricted access to essential goods and services, leading to a reliance on underground tunnels for the smuggling of goods. International organizations have repeatedly called for the lifting of the blockade to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.