The unexpected attacks by Hamas on Israel last Saturday occurred in the midst of ongoing tensions between Israel, Gaza, Egypt, and its surrounding areas.
Understanding the Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip, often referred to simply as Gaza, constitutes one of the two Palestinian territories, the other being the West Bank. Positioned along the northeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is nestled between the Sinai Peninsula, Israel, and Egypt. Stretching 41 kilometres in length and 10 kilometres in width, this territory covers an area of 363 square kilometres. Remarkably, Gaza houses around 2.3 million individuals, rendering it one of the most densely populated regions across the globe. It is crucial to note that, since 2009, the Israeli Navy has imposed a blockade, thus obstructing all maritime traffic.
Significance of Gaza
The Gaza Strip carries historical and cultural significance for both Palestinians and Israelis alike. It is acknowledged as one of the lands referenced in the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, alongside Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel.
Demographics of Gaza
Gaza stands as one of the most densely populated areas worldwide, home to over 2 million inhabitants. Unfortunately, due to the control exerted by Hamas, this has led to an Israeli blockade encompassing air, sea, and land routes, resulting in deteriorating living conditions. Critics have likened the situation to an “open-air prison.” The majority of the population relies on humanitarian aid, and their movements are strictly regulated by Israeli authorities. Distressingly, Gaza is home to a large segment of individuals under the age of 14, constituting 40% of the population. Unemployment is pervasive, and access to electricity and clean water remains limited, according to the Israeli organization Gisha.
A Glimpse into Gaza’s History
Gaza’s historical narrative is fraught with conflicts, having been subjected to the rule of various empires over the years. Following the conclusion of World War 1 and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the Gaza region was incorporated into the League of Nations mandate of Palestine under British governance.
It was after the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 that Egyptian forces entered Gaza, subsequently bringing it under Egyptian jurisdiction. However, the tide shifted during the Six-Day War in June 1967 when Israel seized control of the Gaza Strip, presiding over it for a quarter of a century. The Oslo Accords of 1994 precipitated the transfer of authority over Gaza from Israel to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Despite this transition, tensions continued to smoulder, occasionally flaring into violent uprisings, such as the Intifada.
The Role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza
In 2005, Israel executed a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, entrusting control to the PA. Nonetheless, Israel retained oversight over borders and airspace. Subsequent internal conflicts resulted in the ascension of Hamas to power in Gaza, which, in turn, prompted blockades by Israel and Egypt. This shift of power turned the Gaza Strip into a battleground between Hamas, the newly dominant entity, and the Fatah-led government that had historically controlled Palestine since the 1950s. In June 2007, Hamas firmly secured its grip on Gaza, while the Fatah party took charge of the West Bank. Notably, the Fatah party, historically one of the most influential factions within the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), recognized Israel’s right to exist, garnering support from most Western nations. PA President Mahmoud Abbas has persistently called for Hamas to relinquish control, yet the region remains firmly under the latter’s authority.
Living Conditions in Gaza
According to reports, the Gaza Strip grapples with numerous challenges, including rapid population growth, subpar services, high unemployment rates, and sanctions imposed by Israel. The majority of the population resides in the northern reaches of the territory. Astonishingly, almost 40 percent of Gaza’s inhabitants are under the age of 15, as reported by Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy, alongside light industry and handicrafts. Many Palestinians, despite the hardships, continue to commute daily across the border to work in Israel, constrained by restrictions that prevent overnight stays.
Economic Hardships and Conflict
For the second quarter of 2023, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics recorded an alarming unemployment rate of 46.4% in Gaza, a stark contrast to the 13.4% in the West Bank. Israel’s limitations on the movement of people and goods have been identified as a primary factor influencing Gaza’s economic status.
While tensions have persisted between Gaza and its neighbouring regions, the events of October 7 marked a severe escalation in the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel stated that the ongoing battle has claimed over 1,100 lives on both sides. Furthermore, reports suggest that the United States is contemplating the deployment of military vessels and aircraft in proximity to Israel.
Hamas, characterized as a terrorist organization by the United States, has held authority over the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Gaza’s Geopolitical Landscape
The Gaza Strip stands as a slender, 25-mile-long stretch of land nestled against the Mediterranean Sea, located between Israel and Egypt. Its history is intertwined with the establishment of Israel in 1948, which resulted in the relocation of numerous Palestinian refugees to this particular piece of land. In 1967, Israel assumed control of Gaza following its triumph in the Six-Day War against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
A significant turning point emerged with the Palestinian uprising in 2000, sparking a new wave of hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians. Subsequently, Israel made the decision to evacuate Gaza in 2005, withdrawing its troops and displacing approximately 9,000 Jewish settlers. In the aftermath, Hamas emerged victorious in elections held in Gaza, ousting the Palestinian Authority, which had governed Palestinian-populated areas. Unlike the Palestinian Authority, Hamas does not acknowledge Israel’s right to exist.
In response to attacks launched from Gaza by Hamas and other militant groups, Israel has conducted multiple military campaigns, resulting in damage to Gaza’s infrastructure and the loss of numerous civilian lives.
Recent Developments
As of October 7, 2023, Palestinians dismantled the border fence separating Israel and Gaza. This action followed clashes and attacks in Gaza City, ultimately allowing Palestinians to enter Israel.
