The Gaza Strip, located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is a densely populated area administered by Gaza’s Hamas government. This Palestinian territory, home to 2 million people, has been the focus of much international attention over the years, as it has been the site of numerous conflicts.
The territory consists of Gaza City, Jabalia, Khan Yunis, Rafah and other smaller towns, contributing to a total population of about 2 million inhabitants. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with nearly five thousand people living in each square kilometer.
The history of the Gaza Strip dates back to 1949 when the area was demarcated by the United Nations. During this time, Israel and Egypt jointly administered the region. In 1967, Israel took full control of the strip, and it remains under Israeli military control today.
Following the withdrawal of Israeli forces in 2005, the Palestinian Authority was given control of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority governs the area, along with its own Hamas government, though the group does not officially recognize the authority of the Palestinian Authority. Moreover, Hamas has been opposed to any peace deals made with Israel, and has regularly engaged in attacks against Israeli Defense Forces. This resistance has earned Hamas fierce condemnation from the West, and it is seen by much of the international community as a terrorist organization.
The Gaza Strip has seen much violence throughout its history. Gaza has been the site of numerous conflicts, including a major war in 2008-09 as well as two wars in 2014 and 2018. The 2008-09 conflict saw the death of more than one thousand Palestinians and thirteen Israelis. In 2014, more than two thousand were killed, mostly Palestinians, with over seventy Israelis killed as well. The 2018 conflict saw some twenty-seven Israelis and more than two hundred Palestinians killed.
What has made the situation in the Gaza Strip even worse is the economic crisis the enclave has been suffering. It is estimated that unemployment in the territory is as high as 57%, and it is also one of the poorest areas in the world. In addition, the Gaza Strip has been the recipient of severe economic and political sanctions from Israel, which has crippled the region’s economy.
The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is both tragic and severe, and it is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed. The international community needs to take active steps in order to ensure that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have access to basic human rights, such as clean water, food, and education. Additionally, it is crucial that the international community and the United Nations find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the region in order to end the suffering of the people of Gaza.