Julie M. Norman is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London, and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.

"This book provides a very readable account of the history of Gaza from the mandate period to the First Intifada and on until the present, coming into its own with a comprehensive account of the events following the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. It draws on press sources and informed commentary, illuminated by personal testimonies to draw out the contested terrain of interpretation regarding this beset and besieged strip of land."Anthony Gorman, University of Edinburgh"A brave and compelling book that brings together many voices from Gaza and beyond to help readers understand the region's history as well as the grave contemporary moment it faces."Amahl Bishara, Tufts University"Anyone interested in Gaza should read this book. Norman and Hallward tell the story of Gaza with rigor and nuance, combining a comprehensive history with riveting first-hand accounts from everyday civilians. An urgent and courageous book."Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House"An excellent and accessible introduction for those wishing to learn more not just about Gaza's past and present, but also about the ordinary hopes and dignified aspirations of everyday Gazans." The Irish Times

• IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. How Gaza Became "The Strip"2. Gaza Under Occupation3. Gaza Rises Up4. Israel's Disengagement5. The Rise of Hamas6. Hamas in Government7. Israel, Hamas, and the Gaza Wars (2008–2021)8. October 79. The Gaza War Begins10. The Gaza War Continues11. Regional Escalations12. International ResponsesConclusion: What Next for Gaza?ChronologyNotesIndex

Julie M. Norman is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London, and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.

"This book provides a very readable account of the history of Gaza from the mandate period to the First Intifada and on until the present, coming into its own with a comprehensive account of the events following the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. It draws on press sources and informed commentary, illuminated by personal testimonies to draw out the contested terrain of interpretation regarding this beset and besieged strip of land."Anthony Gorman, University of Edinburgh"A brave and compelling book that brings together many voices from Gaza and beyond to help readers understand the region's history as well as the grave contemporary moment it faces."Amahl Bishara, Tufts University"Anyone interested in Gaza should read this book. Norman and Hallward tell the story of Gaza with rigor and nuance, combining a comprehensive history with riveting first-hand accounts from everyday civilians. An urgent and courageous book."Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House"An excellent and accessible introduction for those wishing to learn more not just about Gaza's past and present, but also about the ordinary hopes and dignified aspirations of everyday Gazans." The Irish Times

• IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. How Gaza Became "The Strip"2. Gaza Under Occupation3. Gaza Rises Up4. Israel's Disengagement5. The Rise of Hamas6. Hamas in Government7. Israel, Hamas, and the Gaza Wars (2008–2021)8. October 79. The Gaza War Begins10. The Gaza War Continues11. Regional Escalations12. International ResponsesConclusion: What Next for Gaza?ChronologyNotesIndex

Julie M. Norman is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London, and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.

"This book provides a very readable account of the history of Gaza from the mandate period to the First Intifada and on until the present, coming into its own with a comprehensive account of the events following the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. It draws on press sources and informed commentary, illuminated by personal testimonies to draw out the contested terrain of interpretation regarding this beset and besieged strip of land."Anthony Gorman, University of Edinburgh"A brave and compelling book that brings together many voices from Gaza and beyond to help readers understand the region's history as well as the grave contemporary moment it faces."Amahl Bishara, Tufts University"Anyone interested in Gaza should read this book. Norman and Hallward tell the story of Gaza with rigor and nuance, combining a comprehensive history with riveting first-hand accounts from everyday civilians. An urgent and courageous book."Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House"An excellent and accessible introduction for those wishing to learn more not just about Gaza's past and present, but also about the ordinary hopes and dignified aspirations of everyday Gazans." The Irish Times

• IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. How Gaza Became "The Strip"2. Gaza Under Occupation3. Gaza Rises Up4. Israel's Disengagement5. The Rise of Hamas6. Hamas in Government7. Israel, Hamas, and the Gaza Wars (2008–2021)8. October 79. The Gaza War Begins10. The Gaza War Continues11. Regional Escalations12. International ResponsesConclusion: What Next for Gaza?ChronologyNotesIndex