Gaza is not located in Lebanon. It is a distinct territory known as the Gaza Strip, bordered by Egypt on the southwest and Israel on the east and north. While this territory has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, it is recognized internationally as a Palestinian territory, not an integral part of the State of Israel.
Geographical Context of the Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip is a narrow piece of land located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its unique geographical position places it at a crossroads, influencing its complex history and political status.
- Borders:
- Proximity: It is geographically separate from the West Bank, another Palestinian territory, located to the east of Israel.
Political Status and Administration
The political status of Gaza is highly complex and has evolved significantly over decades. It is crucial to understand that "under occupation" does not equate to "being a part of" the occupying state's sovereign territory.
- Israeli Occupation: The territory has been under Israeli occupation since the Six-Day War in 1967. This means Israel exercises significant control over its borders, airspace, and maritime access, despite withdrawing its settlers and troops in 2005.
- De Facto Administration: Since June 14, 2007, Gaza has been de facto administered by Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization.
- Ongoing Conflicts: The region has been a site of intermittent and intense conflict. Notably, an ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip has been conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since October 27, 2023.
Why Gaza is Not Considered "In Israel"
Despite Israeli occupation and its close proximity, Gaza maintains a separate and distinct legal and political identity from Israel for several reasons:
- International Law: Under international law, occupied territories retain their status as distinct from the occupying power's sovereign land.
- Palestinian Identity: Gaza is considered part of the Palestinian territories, which are widely envisioned as components of a future independent Palestinian state.
- Governance: While Israel maintains external control, internal civil administration has largely been managed by Palestinian authorities, specifically Hamas since 2007.
Key Details About the Gaza Strip
To further clarify its status, here's a summary of key facts:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea |
| Borders | East and North by Israel; Southwest by Egypt |
| Status | Palestinian territory, under Israeli occupation since 1967 |
| Administration | De facto administered by Hamas since 2007 |
| Recent Events | Subject to an ongoing military operation by the IDF since October 27, 2023 |
| International View | Generally recognized as part of the territories designated for a future independent Palestinian state. |
Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the nuances of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
