Gaza strip

 

The Gaza Strip is one of the most contested and densely populated regions in the world — a narrow piece of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Here's a clear and updated overview 

 Basic Geography

Location: Eastern Mediterranean coast

Borders:

North & East: Israel

Southwest: Egypt (Rafah border)

West: Mediterranean Sea

Area: About 365 sq. km (a little smaller than the city of Mumbai)

Capital : Gaza City

Political Situation

The Gaza Strip is part of the Palestinian territories, along with the West Bank.

It is governed by Hamas, an Islamist political and militant group that took control after winning elections in 2006 and ousting the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 2007.

The Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, controls parts of the West Bank but has little power in Gaza.

 Conflict Background

The Gaza Strip has been a center of the Israel–Palestine conflict for decades.

Key historical points:

1948: After Israel was created, Gaza came under Egyptian control.

1967: Israel captured Gaza during the Six-Day War.

1994: Under the Oslo Accords, partial Palestinian self-rule began.

2005: Israel withdrew its settlers and army from Gaza but still controls its airspace, waters, and most borders.

2007: Hamas took full control of Gaza, leading Israel and Egypt to impose a blockade (restricting goods, fuel, and movement).

Israel (and partly Egypt) controls Gaza’s borders, limiting the entry of materials and travel of people.

This has caused a humanitarian crisis:

High unemployment (≈45–50%)

Electricity shortages (few hours per day)

Limited clean water and medical supplies

Overcrowded cities and refugee camps

Around 80% of residents depend on international aid (like from the UN).

Wars and Recent Conflict (2023–2025)

Several major wars have occurred: 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered a massive Israeli military response.

Since then, Gaza has faced heavy bombardments, ground operations, and massive civilian casualties.

As of late 2025, the situation remains critical — widespread destruction, displacement, and limited reconstruction.

 International View

The United Nations and many countries consider Gaza occupied territory under international law because Israel controls its borders and airspace.

The U.S. and Israel label Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Many international efforts (UN, Qatar, Egypt, etc.) have tried to broker ceasefires, but peace remains elusive.

Summary

Aspect Details

Region Gaza Strip (Palestinian territory)

Ruling Group Hamas

Population ~2.2 million

Main Issues Blockade, poverty, war, displacement

Status Politically isolated, under blockade since 2007