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9/7/2024
Gaza Strip Key Facts and Figures You Need to Know
The Gaza Strip is a densely populated coastal region in the Middle East, bordered by Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the south. Its location on the Mediterranean Sea makes it a key area in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. For decades, the region has experienced political tensions and humanitarian crises.
Geography and Population
The Gaza Strip covers approximately 365 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 2 million. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, creating significant challenges in terms of overcrowding and resource distribution. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah are the main urban centers. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
Historical Context
The history of the Gaza Strip dates back to ancient times, once part of the Palestine Pentapolis. For centuries, it was controlled by several empires, including the Ottoman Empire, until it came under British control after World War I. Following the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Egypt ruled the region until Israel's occupation following the 1967 Six-Day War. Since then, Gaza has been a focal point of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Political situation
Hamas, an Islamist political and militant group, has ruled Gaza since 2007 after a conflict with the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank. Hamas' leadership in Gaza has created internal Palestinian political divisions and remains a central player in the conflict with Israel.
Economic challenges
The Gaza Strip's economy is primarily agriculture-based, but it faces difficult economic conditions due to the Israeli blockade and high unemployment rates. International aid agencies, such as UNRWA, provide essential assistance, although the blockade and limited access to goods greatly limit economic development.
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