Gaza Led by Hamas
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Gaza has a long and complex history. It is a region located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and its history dates back thousands of years. Here are some key points in the history of Gaza:
- Ancient Times: Gaza has a rich history that can be traced back to ancient times. It was inhabited by various civilizations, including the Canaanites, Egyptians, and Philistines.
- Biblical References: Gaza is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the story of Samson and Delilah. It was one of the five major Philistine city-states in ancient times.
- Roman and Byzantine Periods: The region came under Roman and later Byzantine control. It was an important trade center during this time.
- Islamic Conquest: In the 7th century, Gaza was conquered by Muslim forces during the Islamic expansion. It became part of the Islamic Caliphate.
- Crusader Period: During the Middle Ages, Gaza was captured by Crusaders during the First Crusade but was later retaken by Muslim forces.
- Ottoman Rule: Gaza was under Ottoman rule from the 16th century until the early 20th century. It was an important administrative and commercial center during this time.
- British Mandate: After World War I, Gaza came under British mandate as part of the League of Nations mandate for Palestine.
- Modern History: Following World War II and the Israeli War of Independence in 1948, Gaza came under Egyptian administration. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured Gaza and it has been a major point of conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ever since.
- Palestinian Authority: In 2005, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, and it is currently governed by the Palestinian Authority, led by Hamas.
Gaza’s history is marked by its strategic location and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has resulted in political, social, and economic challenges for its residents. This is a simplified overview of its history, and the region’s story is much more detailed and nuanced.