Gaza Strip

Guide Note

The Gaza Strip is a stretch of coastal land between Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. It's name comes from its primary city which is home to roughly 1.4 million Palestinians. Israel occupied the area from 1967-2005, and despite its withdrawal, Gaza is still considered an Israeli-occupied territory. Though it is claimed by the Palestinian National Authority, it is currently under the governance of a de facto government led by Hamas.

Refugees

Of the Gaza Strip's 1.4 million people, the United Nations recognizes upwards of 1 million of them to be Palestinian Refugees. This number includes those displaced after the 1948 Arab Israeli War and their descendants. The Palestinian Right of Return continues to be a major point of contention in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

Gaza Cut Off

Following the takeover of Hamas in 2007, relations with the Gaza Strip were cut off by most nations in the world. Trade relationships have been severed and the only goods allowed for import are those of humanitarian necessity. This has had a devastating effect on the area's economy.

Fast Facts

  1. Total area: 139 square miles
  2. Population: Over 1.4 million
  3. The United Nations estimates over 1 million Palestinian Refugees live in Gaza
  4. Claimed by the Palestinian National Authority
  5. Currently led by Hamas
  6. Israel controls airspace and seas

The Mahalo Top 7

  1. The Associated Press: Israeli Strike Kills 7 Palestinians (April 28, 2008)
  2. Jerusalem Post: Abbas Hails Efforts Toward Gaza Truce (April 28, 2008)  WARNING: Pop-ups
  3. Wikipedia: Gaza Strip
  4. United Nations: Gaza Refugee Camp Profiles
  5. Save the Children: West Bank and Gaza Strip
  6. CIA: The World Factbook: Gaza Strip
  7. Video: Hamas stops Egypt sealing Gaza border - 26 Jan 08 (Time 3:10)


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