Historical Context of the Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip, often referred to by Palestinians as Palestine, is a historically contested territory that has seen a significant population influx and displacement since the establishment of Israel in 1948. This area, measuring only 141 square miles and home to approximately two million people, has deep historical roots that date back to the Ottoman Empire and the British mandate before Israel’s formation. The conflict surrounding this land primarily involves the perceived rights of Palestinians, who claim they were displaced by the birth of Israel, versus the historical claims of the Jewish people to the same territory. These circumstances have fostered ongoing tensions, with both Israelis and Palestinians asserting their historical narratives, complicating any potential resolution.