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The strip is 140-square mile Extended of area located along the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Palestine , has endured what no one on the earth has endured before decades of protest, military operations and violence as Israel and the Palestinian Authority have both asserted the right to control the site. It is separated by Israel from Jerusalem, which have deep religious and cultural important significance for both Arabs and Jews, with both Israel and Palestinians claiming Jerusalem as a capital city.
History
Gaza’s recorded history dates back 4,000 years. Various dynasties, empires, and peoples reigned over, decimated, and repopulated Gaza. It was formerly a Canaanite village and was ruled by the ancient Egyptians for around 350 years before becoming one of the main cities of the Philistines. Around 730 BCE, Gaza joined the Assyrian Empire. In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great assaulted the city and took it.
The city, which developed into a hub for Hellenistic study and philosophy, was resettled by surrounding Bedouins after the attack, which resulted in the deaths of the majority of the population. Up until it was attacked and captured by the Hasmoneans in 96 BCE, the region was often traded between two Greek successor-kingdoms, the Seleucids of Syria and the Ptolemies of Egypt.
After Gaza had been restored, it was given to Herod the Great thirty years later. Gaza was prosperous during the Roman era because to contributions from several emperors. The city’s eclectic population of Greeks, Romans, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, and Nabateans was administered by a 500-member senate.
Saint Porphyrius, who destroyed the city’s eight pagan temples between 396 and 420 CE, was responsible for initiating and completing the conversion to Christianity in the area. The majority of Gazans converted to Islam under early Muslim rule when Gaza was taken by the Muslim commander Amr ibn al-‘As in 637 CE. The city thereafter had cycles of growth and decay. In 1100, the Crusaders took over Gaza from the Fatimids, but Saladin drove them out.
What can you visit in Gaza?
Pasha’s Palace
It’s ancient antiquities display in a small exhibit at the stately Pasha’s Palace, built in the past by a Mamluk sultan in the 13th century and completed the building during the Ottoman era. Napoleon said to have spent a few nights here.
the most important antiquities on display are two long ceramic jars, dating to the third to seventh centuries, that traveled on ships from the site across the Mediterranean, carrying olive oil and wine.
Al-Mathaf Hotel
Ancient hotel contain 34-room boutique with sea views is named after the Arabic word for “museum” — its owner’s private collection of antiquities is displayed in the foyer.
Al-Mathaf Hotel itself is a museum, with its resplendent reception area and ground floor a patchwork of architectural designs, built from colored tiles and beige stones collected from old homes. Rooms, around $100 per night, feature a mix of modern Arabic designs and traditional furniture.
Tombs, mosques and churches
Once you are walking through the City’s Old City reveals it’s rich religious history. There’s a building said to be the tomb of Samson from the Bible and a domed tomb said to be the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad’s great-grandfather, Hashim ibn Abd Manaf.
Nearby is the blue-carpeted Omari Mosque, it’s oldest Muslim house of worship still in use. Its architectural elements reveal that the mosque was previously a Crusader church.
Samaritan bathhouse
Between the streets from the Omari Mosque is the Samaritan Hammam, the only active Turkish bath in the area . It was originally run by members of the ancient Samaritan religion, and it’s Mamluk governor restored it in 1320.
What To Do
It’s hard to find a tour guide in this area . Even clerks at the local Tourism Ministry, a vestige of the 1990s that remarkably still exists, struggle to recommend professional guides, before suggesting a man who hasn’t led tourists around more than 20 years.
It is an ancient crossroads connecting Arabia to Europe and, in more recent years, a magnet for international visitors exploring the Holy Land inside the area . Today this narrow strip on the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most isolated spots on Earth.
Where To Eat
For many years, the Palestinians were renowned for their distinctiveness and ingenuity when it came to cooking particular dishes that were inspired by the blockade and the lack of food. The terrible living conditions endured by the Palestinians inspired Palestinian housewives to create exquisite recipes using ingredients found in their kitchens. Despite their simplicity, these meals have gained a lot of notoriety both in Palestine and outside.
Given Gaza’s popularity as a tourist destination, there are plenty of food alternatives there. Restaurants may be found all throughout Manger Square and its neighboring streets, as well as more traditional shawarma joints up in the Old City.
The market also features a section dedicated to fresh produce, which you should visit even if you have no intention of making a purchase just to take in the vibrant, disorganized piles of fruit and vegetables.
Weather and Climate in Gaza
The height of Gaza affects its moderate climate, which has pleasant, sunny summers and mild, dry winters (with chilly nights) (during which thunderstorms often break out).
Summers are long, lasting from May to September, with July and August being the hottest months. Temperatures range between 23-36° C (75-96° F) and you can expect 50-90% humidity. The good news is that there is air-conditioning almost everywhere you go, from buses and taxis to malls and hotels. However, it is really important to prepare for these temperatures, especially when spending time outdoors. Buy good sun protection, wear long but cool clothes and make sure to drink plenty of water.
Autumn is, for the most part, a continuation of the summer weather. It does get a little cooler and the humidity drops, so it is more comfortable. The season starts in September and at the end of November it starts getting cooler and we might see a little rain, but not too much. September is usually as warm as summer, but the temperatures in autumn are similar to those of spring and range between 16-24° C (60-75° F).
Depending where you come from you might not even consider the city weather “real winter weather”. This is the wettest time of the year and temperatures range between 6-15° C (42-60° F). Israeli schools have a winter break for Channukah during December, this usually doesn’t affect accommodation but activities tend to get crowded. Also, tourists from nearby countries use their winter breaks to enjoy the warmer temperatures in this city.
Spring is between March and May and this is the ideal time to visit this city. You usually won’t see much rain and the temperatures are mild, ranging between 16-24° C (60-75° F), although the nights might still be chilly. Passover falls in April so if you are planning on visiting during this time keep in mind that prices of flights and accommodation will rise and tend to get booked early.