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Gaza Strip

Population:1.6M
Currency:ILS
Language:Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

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Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The Gaza Strip is home to a deeply rooted Palestinian Arab culture shaped by centuries of history, religious tradition, and the enduring experience of displacement and conflict. The population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with Islam playing a central role in daily life, social customs, family structure, and public observance. A small Christian minority, primarily Greek Orthodox, also maintains a longstanding presence in the territory. Arabic is the official and dominant language, spoken in a distinct Palestinian dialect that reflects the region's history of trade, migration, and outside influence. Family and clan identity, known as the hamula system, remain foundational to social organization, with extended family networks providing economic and emotional support in the absence of stable public institutions. Oral tradition, poetry, and music hold great cultural importance. Dabke, a traditional line dance performed at weddings and celebrations, is a prominent expression of collective Palestinian identity. Folk embroidery, known as tatreez, features geometric patterns unique to specific villages and regions of historic Palestine, and women in Gaza continue this craft as a form of cultural preservation and economic livelihood. Gazan cuisine reflects the broader Levantine culinary tradition with its own local character. Seafood is central to the local diet given the territory's Mediterranean coastline, and dishes such as suqaar (spiced meat), freekeh (roasted green wheat), and za'atar-seasoned flatbreads are common staples. Spices including cumin, turmeric, and dill are used more prominently in Gazan cooking than in other parts of Palestinian cuisine, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. Despite decades of conflict and severe restrictions on movement, cultural life in Gaza persists through community arts programs, theater groups, and educational initiatives. Organizations such as the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music have maintained music education for young people in the territory. Literacy rates remain relatively high by regional standards, reflecting a strong cultural emphasis on education, particularly among women and youth.

Ancient Crossroads of the Mediterranean

Dates of Interest

  • June 5th

    Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Includes prayers, feasting, giving of zakat (charity), and festive gatherings with family and friends.

What language do people speak in the Gaza Strip?

Arabic is the official and dominant language, spoken in a distinct Palestinian dialect shaped by the region's history of trade, migration, and outside influence.

Good to know

  • The dialect reflects centuries of trade and migration

What food will you encounter in the Gaza Strip?

Gazan cuisine is part of the broader Levantine tradition with its own local character, and seafood is central given the Mediterranean coastline.

Good to know

  • Try suqaar (spiced meat), freekeh (roasted green wheat), and za'atar-seasoned flatbreads
  • Expect prominent use of cumin, turmeric, and dill, which give Gazan cooking a distinctive flavor

How is family and social life organized in the Gaza Strip?

Family and clan identity, known as the hamula system, is foundational, with extended family networks providing economic and emotional support.

Good to know

  • The population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with Islam central to daily life and family structure
  • A small Christian minority, primarily Greek Orthodox, has a longstanding presence

What cultural traditions and arts are important in the Gaza Strip?

Oral tradition, poetry, and music are highly valued, and cultural life persists through community arts, theater, and educational programs.

Good to know

  • Dabke, a traditional line dance, is performed at weddings and celebrations
  • Tatreez folk embroidery features geometric patterns unique to specific villages
  • The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music offers music education for young people
  • Literacy rates are relatively high, with strong emphasis on educating women and youth

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
new Israeli shekel (ILS)
Climate
temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers
Airports
2
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Falafel (Pitas with dried chick peas)

Main Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Philistine Era

    1500 BCE – 636

    Egypt occupied Gaza around the 15th century BCE, establishing it as a key node on the coastal trade route between Egypt and Syria. Philistines settled the region centuries later, making Gaza one of their principal cities. The area subsequently passed through Assyrian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine hands, each leaving lasting cultural and architectural imprints.

  2. Islamic & Crusader Period

    636 – 1516

    Arab forces captured Gaza in the 630s CE, and the city gained religious significance as the reputed burial place of the Prophet Muhammad's great-grandfather, becoming an important Islamic center. Crusaders seized Gaza in the 12th century, but Saladin restored Muslim control in 1187. The city subsequently flourished under Ayyubid and Mamluk rule as a regional administrative and commercial hub.

  3. Ottoman Rule

    1516 – 1917

    The Ottoman Empire incorporated Gaza in 1516, and the city served as a provincial center within the broader Levantine administrative structure for four centuries. Trade and agriculture sustained the local economy, though the region experienced periodic unrest and plague. British forces under General Allenby captured Gaza after fierce battles in 1917, ending Ottoman sovereignty.

  4. British Mandate

    1917 – 1948

    Following World War I, Gaza was incorporated into the British Mandate for Palestine, administered under the League of Nations framework. Rising tensions between Arab and Jewish communities intensified throughout the 1930s and 1940s, fueled by Jewish immigration and competing nationalist aspirations. The British withdrawal and the end of the Mandate in 1948 triggered the first Arab-Israeli War.

  5. Egyptian Administration & Israeli Occupation

    1948 – 1994

    Egypt took control of the Gaza Strip following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, administering it without formally annexing the territory. Israel captured Gaza during the 1967 Six-Day War and governed it for the next 27 years, establishing Jewish settlements and facing mounting Palestinian resistance. The first intifada, erupting in 1987, dramatically escalated civil unrest and gave rise to Hamas, intensifying pressure for a political resolution.

  6. Palestinian Authority & Post-Oslo

    1994 – present

    The 1993 Oslo Accords and the subsequent 1994 Cairo Agreement transferred administrative authority over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority under Yasser Arafat, marking the first Palestinian self-governance of the territory. Israel's 2005 disengagement removed all Jewish settlers and most military forces, yet Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, creating a political split with the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. The territory has since experienced recurring conflicts with Israel, severe economic restrictions, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Overview

Strategically located on the Mediterranean coastal route, ancient Gaza was a prosperous trade center and a stop on the caravan route between Egypt and Syria. The city was occupied by Egypt around the 15th century BCE. Philistines settled the area several hundred years later, and Gaza became one of their chief cities. Gaza was captured by Arabs in the AC 600s. Believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad’s great grandfather was buried, the city became an important Islamic center. In the 12th century, Gaza was taken by Christian Crusaders; it returned to Muslim control in 1187. The city fell to the Ottomans in the 16th century and was taken by the British during World War I (1914-1918). Following World War I, Gaza became part of the British mandate for Palestine. After the first Arab Israel war in 1948, Egypt took control over Gaza and its surrounding area. Israel occupied the city and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Six Day War, and Gaza remained under Israeli administration for the next 27 years.

With the onset of the Palestinian uprising known as the intifada in 1987, Gaza became a center of political unrest and confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians, and economic conditions in the city worsened.

In September 1993, leaders of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo Accords calling for Palestinian administration of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho, which was implemented in May 1994. Most of the Israeli forces left Gaza, leaving a new Palestinian Authority to administer and police the city, along with the rest of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority, led by Yasser Arafat, chose Gaza as its first provincial headquarters. In September 1995, Israel and the PLO signed a second peace agreement extending the Palestinian Authority to some West Bank towns. The agreement also established an elected 88-member Palestinian Council, which held its inaugural session in Gaza in March 1996.

In August 2005, Israel withdrew 8,000 Jewish settlers from Gaza. How Gaza fares post-disengagement—economically and politically, with its 1.4m inhabitants—remains to be seen. A border-crossing deal, brokered and aided financially by the United States in November 2005, seeks to improve life for Palestinians.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1949

    Israel signs a series of truces with Arab countries.

    Israel signs a series of truces with Arab countries. Under the 1949 pacts, Egypt retained control of the Gaza Strip.

  2. 1967

    The Six Day War

    Israel recaptures the strip during the Arab-Israeli war of June 1967, called the Six-Day War. Israel doesn’t annex or incorporate the West Bank and Gaza into Israel proper.

  3. 1970

    One of the first Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip is Kfar Darom .

    One of the first Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip is Kfar Darom in 1970. In 1972, Netzarim is built up. The Israeli government continues to build settlements in the Gaza Strip during the 1970s and 1980s. The increasing Jewish presence ignites Palestinian activism and helps to motivate several militant groups. Riots become commonplace and confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians became more violent.

  4. 1987

    Hamas, a radical Islamic organization operating mainly in the Gaza Strip, is formed.

    Hamas, a radical Islamic organization operating mainly in the Gaza Strip, is formed.

  5. 1993

    Israel continues its plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

    The Oslo Accords, signed in Washington, D.C., put in place a peace process aimed at ending the rebellion and resolving the situation between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Israeli government.

  6. 1993

    The Oslo Accords

    The Oslo Accords, signed in Washington, D.C., put in place a peace process aimed at ending the rebellion and resolving the situation between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Israeli government. The accords inaugurated the Palestinian National Authority and called for the handover of some land to Palestinian control.

  7. 1994

    By mid-1994 Israel has withdrawn most of its troops from the Gaza Strip.

    By mid-1994 Israel has withdrawn most of its troops from the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority assumes administrative control of the region

View full timeline (8 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The Gaza Strip is 27 miles (45km) long and 3-7 miles (5-12km) wide, an area of 141 sq miles (365 sq km) that is completely fenced in

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain
Climate
temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers
Natural Hazards
droughts
Current Environmental Issues
desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and contamination of underground water resources
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

  • Arabic
  • Hebrew

Population

Population
1,604,238
Nationality Noun
NA
Ethnic Groups
Palestinian Arab and other 99.4%, Jewish 0.6%
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
GazaStrip

Government Structure

Executive Branch
The executive structure of the Gaza Strip is complex and contested, reflecting the territory's unique and disputed political status. Since June 2007, Hamas — the Islamic Resistance Movement — has exercised de facto administrative control over the Gaza Strip following its violent takeover from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA). This division created a political split between Gaza, governed by Hamas, and the West Bank, administered by the PA under President Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas does not operate under a conventional executive branch structure recognized by most of the international community. Instead, it maintains governance through a political bureau and a separate administrative apparatus. The Political Bureau of Hamas has historically been based outside Gaza, with senior figures operating from Qatar and other regional states. Ismail Haniyeh served as the head of Hamas's political bureau for several years before his assassination in July 2024 in Tehran. Yahya Sinwar, the organization's military commander and chief architect of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, had been widely considered the most powerful figure inside Gaza. Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024. The Palestinian Authority, under President Mahmoud Abbas, maintains internationally recognized executive authority over Palestinian territories in a broader legal sense, though it has had no effective governing presence in Gaza since 2007. Abbas, who has served as PA President since 2005, heads the executive branch of the Palestinian Authority from Ramallah in the West Bank. Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Hamas's governing infrastructure in Gaza was severely degraded. The conflict resulted in the destruction of significant portions of the administrative apparatus Hamas had built over nearly two decades. As of 2025, the question of who will ultimately govern the Gaza Strip remains unresolved, with ongoing international discussions involving the Palestinian Authority, Arab states, and various international stakeholders about potential post-conflict governance arrangements. No internationally recognized executive structure with clear leadership has been established for the territory in the immediate aftermath of the conflict.

Military

Branches: HAMAS maintains security forces inside Gaza in addition to its military wing, the 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades; the military wing ostensibly reports to the HAMAS Political Bureau but operates with considerable autonomy; there are several other militant groups operating in the Gaza Strip, most notably the Al-Quds Brigades of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which are usually but not always beholden to HAMAS's authority.

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Economy

The Gaza Strip's economy has been shaped by decades of conflict, blockade, and political division, with conditions deteriorating dramatically following the outbreak of war in October 2023. Even before the current conflict, Gaza's economy had been severely constrained by the Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, restricting the movement of goods, people, and capital. The blockade, combined with recurring military escalations in 2008-09, 2012, 2014, and 2021, repeatedly destroyed infrastructure and stunted economic development.

Prior to October 2023, Gaza's economy was already in crisis, with unemployment exceeding 45 percent—among the highest rates in the world—and youth unemployment surpassing 60 percent. Approximately 80 percent of the population depended on international humanitarian assistance, and food insecurity affected more than 60 percent of households. GDP per capita had stagnated for years, and the private sector remained severely underdeveloped due to restrictions on imports, exports, and access to electricity, water, and fuel.

The war that began in October 2023 has caused unprecedented economic devastation. According to UN and World Bank assessments, Gaza's GDP contracted by more than 80 percent in the final quarter of 2023 and remained collapsed throughout 2024. Virtually all economic activity has ceased, with estimates indicating that over 80 percent of commercial facilities, agricultural land, and productive infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Unemployment is now estimated at nearly 80 percent, and essentially the entire population of roughly 2.1 million people is dependent on humanitarian aid. The United Nations has warned that reconstruction could take decades and cost upwards of $50 billion.

The agricultural sector, once a vital source of employment and food security, has been largely destroyed, with the majority of cropland, greenhouses, and irrigation systems rendered inoperable. The fishing industry, long restricted by maritime limits, has effectively collapsed. Manufacturing, construction, and services have similarly been devastated. Electricity supply, water and sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and educational infrastructure have suffered catastrophic damage, compounding the humanitarian crisis and eliminating the foundations needed for any near-term economic recovery.

Long-term economic prospects remain deeply uncertain and contingent on a durable ceasefire, lifting of restrictions, large-scale international reconstruction financing, and a political resolution to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
ILS
GDP Real Growth Rate
4.5%

Banknotes

Gaza Strip Money - Front
Gaza Strip Money - Front
Gaza Strip Money - Back
Gaza Strip Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$1,340,000,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$2,000,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
services 66%; industry 21%; agriculture 13%
Industries
generally small family businesses that produce textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some small-scale modern industries in an industrial center
Agriculture Products
olives, citrus, vegetables; beef, dairy products
Export Commodities
citrus, flowers
Export Partners
Israel, Egypt, West Bank
Import Commodities
food, consumer goods, construction materials
Import Partners
Israel, Egypt, West Bank

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
0 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009 domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed-line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL company provides cellular services international: country code - 970
Internet Country Code
N/A

News & Weather

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Gaza Strip?
The population of Gaza Strip is approximately 1.6M.
What language do people speak in the Gaza Strip?
Arabic is the official and dominant language, spoken in a distinct Palestinian dialect shaped by the region's history of trade, migration, and outside influence. The dialect reflects centuries of trade and migration
What food will you encounter in the Gaza Strip?
Gazan cuisine is part of the broader Levantine tradition with its own local character, and seafood is central given the Mediterranean coastline. Try suqaar (spiced meat), freekeh (roasted green wheat), and za'atar-seasoned flatbreads Expect prominent use of cumin, turmeric, and dill, which give Gazan cooking a distinctive flavor
How is family and social life organized in the Gaza Strip?
Family and clan identity, known as the hamula system, is foundational, with extended family networks providing economic and emotional support. The population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with Islam central to daily life and family structure A small Christian minority, primarily Greek Orthodox, has a longstanding presence
What cultural traditions and arts are important in the Gaza Strip?
Oral tradition, poetry, and music are highly valued, and cultural life persists through community arts, theater, and educational programs. Dabke, a traditional line dance, is performed at weddings and celebrations Tatreez folk embroidery features geometric patterns unique to specific villages The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music offers music education for young people Literacy rates are relatively high, with strong emphasis on educating women and youth
Where is the Gaza Strip located?
The Gaza Strip is located in the Middle East, along the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It sits at the southwestern edge of historic Palestine, bordered by Israel to the north and east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Despite its small size, the territory occupies a strategically significant position at the crossroads of Africa and Asia, and has been a focal point of regional conflict and international diplomacy for decades.
What countries and territories border the Gaza Strip?
Israel borders the Gaza Strip to the north and east, while Egypt borders it to the southwest, with the Rafah crossing serving as the territory's primary gateway to the Arab world. The western edge opens onto the Mediterranean Sea, which historically provided fishing access and a potential outlet for trade. The territory is enclosed by a security fence and buffer zones, making movement of people and goods across its borders subject to strict controls enforced by both Israel and Egypt.
What religion is practiced in the Gaza Strip?
Islam, predominantly of the Sunni tradition, is by far the dominant religion in the Gaza Strip, practiced by approximately 98.7% of the population. A small Christian community, largely Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic, accounts for roughly 0.7% of residents and maintains a historic presence in the territory. A very small Jewish population, approximately 0.6%, also exists. Religious observance plays a central role in daily life, cultural customs, and the political landscape of the territory.
What currency is used in the Gaza Strip?
The Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is the primary currency in use in the Gaza Strip, a consequence of the territory's economic ties and administrative entanglement with Israel. The Jordanian dinar and the US dollar also circulate and are widely accepted for transactions. The territory lacks an independent monetary authority, and its economy is heavily constrained by border restrictions, aid dependency, and limited access to international markets, resulting in chronically high unemployment and poverty rates.
What languages are spoken in the Gaza Strip?
Arabic is the official and overwhelmingly dominant language of the Gaza Strip, spoken natively by the vast majority of the Palestinian population. Hebrew is understood and spoken by many Palestinians who have had contact with Israeli institutions, and English is widely understood, particularly among educated residents and those engaged in international humanitarian and academic contexts. The Arabic dialect spoken in Gaza is a variety of Levantine Arabic with some regional distinctions influenced by the territory's history and its Egyptian border.
What is the size and geography of the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip covers approximately 365 square kilometers (141 square miles), making it one of the most densely populated territories on earth. It stretches roughly 45 kilometers (27 miles) in length and only 5 to 12 kilometers (3 to 7 miles) in width, and is entirely enclosed by fencing and barriers. The terrain is largely flat to rolling, characterized by sand dunes along the coast, fertile agricultural land in the interior, and an urbanized landscape dominated by Gaza City and several large refugee camps.
What is the Gaza Strip known for?
The Gaza Strip is known internationally for its extraordinary population density, its central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its protracted humanitarian crisis. Culturally, the territory has a long tradition of embroidery (tatreez), a distinctive Palestinian folk art, and a Mediterranean culinary heritage featuring dishes such as sumagiyya, a slow-cooked stew unique to Gaza. The territory is also historically associated with a centuries-old fishing culture along its Mediterranean coastline, and was a significant crossroads of ancient trade routes connecting Africa, the Levant, and Arabia.
What is the political and governance background of the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip has operated under a complex and contested governance arrangement since the 1993 Oslo Accords, which established interim Palestinian self-government in Gaza and the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority initially administered the territory following Israeli withdrawal from civilian areas, but Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 following armed conflict with Fatah, creating a political split between Gaza and the West Bank. The territory has since been subject to an Israeli-led blockade, and its final status remains unresolved under international law and ongoing negotiations.

Last reviewed 2026

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