Here are the key points from the article:
**Gaza Strip**
* A land strip surrounded by Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea
* 41km long (25 miles) and 10km wide
* Home to 2.3 million people, one of the most densely populated places in the world
* High unemployment rate, with many living below poverty level
**History**
* Gaza was occupied by Egypt after the 1948 Middle East War
* Israel occupied Gaza in 1967 and built settlements, placing Palestinians under military rule
* Israel unilaterally retreated its troops and settlers in 2005 but retained control over borders, airspace, and shoreline
* Gaza is still considered Israeli-occupied territory by the UN
**Recent Conflicts**
* Hamas won Palestinian elections in 2006 and ejected rivals after a year of fighting
* Israel and Egypt imposed economic blockade on Gaza
* Several major conflicts between Israel and Hamas, including those in 2008-09, 2012-14, and May 2021
* Last conflict ended with a ceasefire 11 days later
**Current Situation**
* On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters launched an attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis and taking over 250 hostages
* Triggered massive Israeli military offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 deaths (majority women and children)
**International Recognition of Palestinian State**
* In May 2024, 143 UN member states voted for a Palestinian bid to become a full member of the UN
* Officially recognized as the “State of Palestine” by the UN, with a seat but no vote
**Palestinian Refugees**
* UN Refugee Agency (UNRWA) registers 5.9 million Palestinians who were forced to flee or abandon homes in Palestine during 1948-49 Middle East War
* Most live in Jordan and Gaza Strip; Israel refuses to allow return
**Two-State Solution**
* A formula for peace between Israel and Palestinians, proposing a Palestinian state independent in West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem with East Jerusalem as capital
* Rejected by Israel; Hamas does not support solution due to opposition to Israel’s existence