Gaza Strip
On the 24th of February 1949, Israel and Egypt signed an agreement that drew a line separating their forces. This boundary became known as the Green Line and defined the modern borders of the Gaza Strip. Before this date, the area was part of Mandatory Palestine under British rule from 1920 until 1948. During the 1948 Arab, Israeli War, tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees fled or were expelled to this narrow coastal territory. By the end of the war, 25% of Mandatory Palestine's Arab population lived in Gaza, even though the strip constituted only 1% of the land. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East established refugee camps to house these displaced people. In September 1948, the Arab League proclaimed the All-Palestine Protectorate in Egyptian-occupied Gaza City. Six Arab League members recognized this new entity, but it remained under significant Egyptian influence. The protectorate dissolved in 1959 by decree of Egyptian president Gamal Abdul Nasser.
In June 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli Defense Forces captured the Gaza Strip. Ariel Sharon led the Southern Command at that time. Between 1967 and 1968, Israel evicted approximately 75,000 residents who Golda Meir described as a fifth column. At least 25,000 more Gazans were prevented from returning after the war ended. The strip lost 25% of its prewar population between those years. On the 3rd of November 1956, the Israel Defense Forces attacked Egyptian and Palestinian forces at Khan Yunis during the Suez Crisis. Israeli troops executed unarmed Palestinians in one instance where men were lined up against walls in a central square. UNRWA director Henry Labouisse reported to the UN General Assembly on the 15th of December 1956 that 275 people were killed in what became known as a massacre. From 2008 to 2009, a twenty-two-day war resulted in the deaths of 1,100 to 1,400 Palestinians and thirteen Israelis. During the 2014 conflict, thousands died in the combination of rocket attacks and airstrikes. Since October 2023, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with almost half being women and children.
Hamas won a plurality of 42.9% of the total vote in elections held on the 25th of January 2006. They secured 74 out of 132 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council. In June 2007, fighting erupted between Hamas and Fatah factions within the strip. By the 14th of June 2007, Hamas fully controlled the Gaza Strip after seizing government institutions. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas declared a state of emergency and dissolved the unity government. Egypt moved its embassy from Gaza to the West Bank following the takeover. The territory has been described as a de facto one-party state since that time. Hamas maintains executive authority through its own ad hoc bodies including legislative and judicial branches. The legal code applied in Gaza combines Ottoman laws, British Mandate regulations, Sharia law, and Israeli military orders. As of May 2025, Hamas controls less than half of the strip due to the ongoing war and peace agreement terms.
Israel imposed restrictions on movement and goods in Gaza dating back to the early 1990s. A total blockade began on the 9th of October 2023 when Israel declared war on Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated there would be no electricity, food, or fuel available. On the 19th of January 2025, a ceasefire took effect but lasted only until the 18th of March before Israel launched another attack. Most of the population was forcibly displaced during this period. A UN official noted in 2024 that it could take fourteen years to clear debris from destroyed buildings. The area suffers from desertification, salination of fresh water, sewage treatment issues, and depletion of underground resources. In 2022, Human Rights Watch issued a report calling the territory an open-air prison due to these conditions. The Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted lack of access to clean water, reliable electrical supply, health care, and employment opportunities. A majority of Palestinian children in Gaza suffer from psychological trauma and stunted growth.
The United Nations considers Gaza occupied despite Israel's 2005 withdrawal from settlements. Israeli Supreme Court ruled on the 30th of January 2008 that the strip was not occupied by Israel. This decision argued Israel had not exercised effective control since disengagement. However, the International Court of Justice noted on the 19th of July 2024 that sustained abuse of occupying power status violates fundamental principles of international law. The court concluded Israel should pay full reparations for damage caused by occupation policies. Some legal commentators argue Gaza remains occupied because Israel controls airspace, territorial sea, and border crossings. Others contend that Hamas governs administrative functions independently. Professor Aeyal Gross proposed a functional approach theory suggesting obligations are commensurate with level of control exercised. The European Union considers Gaza to be occupied while Israel maintains it is no longer subject to military occupation laws.
Common questions
When was the Gaza Strip boundary established by Israel and Egypt?
Israel and Egypt signed an agreement on the 24th of February 1949 that drew a line separating their forces. This boundary became known as the Green Line and defined the modern borders of the Gaza Strip.
Who captured the Gaza Strip during the Six-Day War in June 1967?
Israeli Defense Forces captured the Gaza Strip in June 1967 during the Six-Day War. Ariel Sharon led the Southern Command at that time.
Which political party won the majority of seats in the January 2006 elections in Gaza?
Hamas won a plurality of 42.9% of the total vote in elections held on the 25th of January 2006. They secured 74 out of 132 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council.
What date did the total blockade on goods begin in October 2023?
A total blockade began on the 9th of October 2023 when Israel declared war on Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated there would be no electricity, food, or fuel available.
When did the International Court of Justice rule on the status of Israeli occupation in July 2024?
The International Court of Justice noted on the 19th of July 2024 that sustained abuse of occupying power status violates fundamental principles of international law. The court concluded Israel should pay full reparations for damage caused by occupation policies.