The Gaza Strip − why the history of the densely populated enclave is key to understanding the current conflict

Destruction from the latest siege of Gaza. Ashraf Amra/Anadolu via Getty Images)The focus on conflict in the Middle East has again returned to the Gaza Strip, with Israel’s defense minister ordering a “complete siege” of the Palestinian enclave. The military operation, which involves extensive bombing of residences, follows a surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas militants who infiltrated Israel from Gaza and killed more than 900 Israelis. In reprisal airstrikes, the Israel military has kill