Short History of the Gaza Strip

History matters, especially in Palestine. In this essential account, historian Anne Irfan reveals the long-term roots of Israel`s genocidal destruction of Gaza. She examines six key moments in its history that provide vital context for the present day, beginning with Israel`s expulsion of the Palestinian people in 1948, when the Gaza region was truncated to a tiny `Strip` of 141 square miles, through to Israel`s occupations, the first intifada and the rise of Hamas. Drawing on a decade of meticulous research, she cuts through the misinformation and conflicting narratives to tell a story that begins long before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7 and centres Gaza as a microcosm of the Palestinian struggle. Clear-sighted and compassionate, this is an account that foregrounds the voices of Palestinians of all walks of life, from farmers and teachers to poets and activists. A Short History of the Gaza Strip is an indispensable primer for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of Palestine and the wider region.