Subtitle: Unraveling decades of conflict, occupation, and strategic interests in a blood-soaked strip of land.
Caption: The Gaza Strip is a densely populated coastal enclave bordered by Israel and Egypt.
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Introduction: A Land Under Siege
The Gaza Strip, a tiny stretch of land just 41 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide, has become one of the most heavily contested territories in modern history. The question many ask is: Why does Israel want Gaza?
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1. Strategic Military Control
Israel views Gaza as a security threat due to the presence of Hamas, a militant group that governs the territory. Frequent rocket attacks and armed conflicts have led Israel to justify military operations and border control in the name of national defense.
> "Controlling Gaza's airspace, borders, and sea access gives Israel a military advantage," says international analyst Sarah Bennis. "It allows surveillance and limits arms smuggling."
Caption: Israeli military presence along the Gaza border remains heavy and constant.
2. Economic and Resource Interests
Although Gaza is resource-poor, the Mediterranean Sea coast adjacent to it may hold natural gas reserves. Several offshore fields lie near Gaza’s waters. Control over the coastline provides potential access to untapped economic resources, which could be lucrative in the long run.
3. Political Domination and Isolation of Hamas
Israel's objective is often interpreted as seeking to weaken Hamas by economically isolating Gaza and limiting its international trade and aid. Since Hamas came to power in 2006, Gaza has faced an air, land, and sea blockade enforced by Israel (and to a lesser extent, Egypt).
This leads critics to accuse Israel of collective punishment, keeping over 2 million people in what’s often called an "open-air prison."
Caption: Gaza has suffered massive destruction and humanitarian crises due to repeated wars and blockades.
4. Historical Context: From Occupation to Withdrawal
1967: Israel occupied Gaza during the Six-Day War.
2005: Israel unilaterally withdrew its settlements and military.
Post-2005: Despite withdrawal, Israel has maintained effective control over Gaza’s borders, economy, and access to basic necessities.
So while Israel no longer occupies Gaza directly, it still controls it indirectly, especially through airstrikes, blockades, and surveillance.
5. Demographic Pressure and Fear
Gaza's population is rapidly growing. Over 50% are under 18. Israeli hardliners view this as a demographic threat, fearing a rising Palestinian population demanding equal rights or return.
By controlling Gaza’s growth and limiting its development, some believe Israel seeks to undermine Palestinian unity and prevent the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
Conclusion: Control Over Gaza is About More Than Just Land
Israel’s interest in Gaza is not about occupying it in the traditional sense—but rather dominating it from the outside for military, political, and strategic gain.
For Palestinians, Gaza is a symbol of resistance, survival, and struggle. For Israel, it’s a source of fear, control, and unresolved history.
> “You may leave Gaza, but Gaza never leaves you.” — Palestinian Poet, Mahmod
Darwish
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