Gaza is one of the oldest cities in the world, said to be the fourth city ever built on Earth. It was established by the Arab Canaanites in the third millennium BCE. Due to its strategic importance and sensitive location, Gaza has been a target for invaders and colonizers since prehistoric times. Its inhabitants preserved their Arab identity throughout the Canaanite period and even after the arrival of the Palestinians in the 13th century BCE. The Pharaohs described it as the Egyptian capital in the land of the Canaanites, and many Pharaonic artifacts have been discovered in the city and its surroundings.

Gaza has had many names throughout history, reflecting the different civilizations that ruled it. The Pharaohs called it "Gazatu", and the Assyrians also referred to it as "Gaza" in their language, although it appeared in different pronunciations depending on dialect: "Azutu", "Hazati", and "Hazata". The Canaanites called it "Hazani". It is said that “Gaza” means strength or treasure, and it was once described as the city of incense, perfumes, and spices.

Gaza was a key stop for Arab merchants during their seasonal trade journeys, known as the "winter and summer journey." It is the place where Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away during one of his trade expeditions in the mid-6^th century CE. Since then, the city has been called "Gaza of Hashim". The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) visited Gaza during his youth, passed by his grandfather's grave, and bathed in its sea at the age of twenty-five.

The Gaza Strip is a coastal region located in the southwest of Palestine. It borders the occupied territories to the east and north, Egypt to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It is known for its high population density, with over 2.3 million residents. Gaza's governorates form a narrow coastal strip about 45 km long and between 6 to 12 km wide, covering a total area of approximately 365 km². It is divided into five governorates: North Gaza, Gaza, Central Gaza, Khan Younis, and Rafah.

The Gaza Strip is known for several characteristics, most notably agriculture, producing citrus fruits, olives, and vegetables. It is also home to the fishing industry, which many residents depend on. Gaza features unique traditional crafts, such as pottery, Palestinian embroidery, and traditional sweets. Local dishes such as sayadiyah, musakhan, and maftoul are highlights of Gazan cuisine.

In terms of landmarks, the Strip is rich with historical sites like the Great Omari Mosque, dating back to the Ayyubid era, and the Church of Saint Porphyrius, one of the oldest churches in Palestine. Gaza also hosts the ancient Gaza port and several seaside resorts, which offer a vital escape for city residents.

The Gaza Strip enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot and humid summers and mild, rainy winters. Spring and autumn are pleasantly moderate. However, Gaza’s economic situation faces severe challenges due to the ongoing siege since 2007. This has led to sharply rising unemployment and poverty rates and has severely impacted the industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors due to restrictions on imports and exports.

Despite these difficult circumstances, the people of Gaza remain resilient, clinging to life and hope, and continue to strive for endurance and adaptation in the face of daily challenges.