Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English
Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 It's considered one of the most densely populated areas in the world, home to 2 million people
00:06 on just 365 square kilometres of land.
00:10 The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian coastal enclave, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west,
00:16 Egypt to the south and Israel to the north, with whom it shares a 50 kilometre border.
00:22 Since 2007, when militant Islamist group Hamas took full political control of the Strip,
00:29 Israel imposed a crippling airtight land, sea and air blockade on the enclave, largely
00:34 supported by Egypt.
00:36 As a result, Gaza continues to grapple with difficult living conditions.
00:41 Around 50% of people are unemployed, with youth unemployment far higher, and chronic
00:46 shortages of fuel, water and electricity, with their deliveries controlled by Israel.
00:52 It's estimated around 80% of Gazans rely on humanitarian assistance, and though the UN
00:58 has called for the blockade to be lifted, Israel maintains the strict control as necessary
01:03 to prevent attacks from Hamas, who the US and EU consider to be a terrorist organisation.
01:09 Two days after Hamas launched its surprise attack from Gaza, Israel's defence minister
01:14 announced a complete siege on the enclave, saying authorities will cut electricity and
01:20 block the entry of food and fuel into Gaza.