I.

Introduction

Gaza (Arabic, Ghazze), principal city of the Gaza Strip, approximately 24 km (15 mi) from the Egyptian border, seaport located on the Mediterranean coast. Gaza is an ancient city, and has both historical and current political importance. It sits astride the Via Maris, or coastal route, connecting Egypt and the African continent with historical centres of Muslim Empires to the north, and Europe beyond. Gaza is the centre of commercial and administrative activity for the Gaza Strip, which takes its name from the city. It is currently the headquarters for the Palestine National Authority, though this is provisional. Population of the Gaza Strip 1,537,269 (2008 estimate).