How the Gaza Strip came to be | A brief history of Gaza | CBC Kids News

Summary

The video explains the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It traces the history of the region, starting from its British control after World War I, to the establishment of Israel in 1948, and subsequent wars. The Gaza Strip, a small area with 2.3 million Palestinians, became a point of tension after Hamas took control in 2006, following elections. Israel and Egypt control the borders, and restrictions have worsened conditions for Gazans. The conflict escalated in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, leading to Israel's retaliation and ongoing war.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ There is a war between Israel and Hamas, the latter of which controls the Gaza Strip.
• 🗺️ The Gaza Strip is a small piece of land, around 360 square kilometers, about the size of Montreal.
• 👥 Around 2.3 million people live in Gaza, most of whom are Palestinians, with many being refugees or descendants of refugees.
• 🧒 Nearly half of Gaza's population is under 18 years old, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
• 📜 The Gaza Strip came to be after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when many Palestinians fled or were forced to flee their homes.
• ⚔️ Israel took control of Gaza during the Six Day War in 1967 but withdrew its military and settlements in 2005.
• 🗳️ Hamas won elections in 2006 and took control of Gaza, while Fatah governs the West Bank.
• 💣 Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and other countries, calling for the destruction of Israel.
• 🚫 Israel and Egypt control who can enter and leave Gaza, which has led to difficult living conditions for those in the area.
• 🔥 The current conflict escalated after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking Israel's retaliation and a siege on Gaza.

Q & A

What is the Gaza Strip and where is it located?

The Gaza Strip is a small area of land, approximately 360 square kilometers, located between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to about 2.3 million people.

Who lives in the Gaza Strip?

The Gaza Strip is primarily inhabited by Palestinians, many of whom are refugees or descendants of refugees from the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Why is the Gaza Strip a central point of conflict?

The Gaza Strip has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for over 75 years due to its history of displacement, wars, and political control by groups like Hamas, which opposes Israel's existence.

How did the Gaza Strip come into existence?

The Gaza Strip emerged after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, when Egypt took control of the area. Israel later captured the strip in the Six Day War of 1967.

What role did the United Nations play in the creation of Israel and the conflict in Gaza?

After World War II, the United Nations proposed dividing Mandatory Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Arab Palestinians opposed this plan, leading to conflict.

Why did Palestinians flee their homes during the 1948 war?

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced to leave during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, seeking refuge in areas like the Gaza Strip.

How did Hamas gain control of the Gaza Strip?

Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian elections, defeating the Fatah party. This led to a conflict between the two groups, with Hamas taking control of Gaza and Fatah controlling the West Bank.

What does Hamas aim to achieve in the region?

Hamas aims to drive Israel out of occupied territories and establish an Islamic state. It is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and several other countries.

What has been Israel's response to Hamas governing Gaza?

Israel, along with Egypt, controls entry into and out of Gaza and regulates resources like water and electricity to protect against militant attacks. This has resulted in severe restrictions on Gazan life.

What triggered the current war between Israel and Hamas?

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing 1,400 people. Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas and bombarding the Gaza Strip.