Gaza Boat Passenger Israeli American interview. Rafah itself has not much to show you, apart from the central square – Sahat Al-Nejma. Don't bring anything too bulky as you'll have to go through a turnstile gate. Some hotels may use filters, but if in doubt, just buy bottles. I have a genuine interest in visiting here, it looks like a beautiful and fascinating place. A report by the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) predicts the number of students in Gaza will grow from 630,000 in 2015 to 1.2 million by 2030, which means the Strip … Locals call them “chalets”. That’s why behave with utmost empathy and respect. Gaza has no functioning airport, as the former Yasser Arafat International Airport (GZA IATA) has been shut down since 2000. A Palestinian refugee girl looks out from behind the door of her family's house in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Minimize. In this case, a good precaution is to ask passers-by or a police officer if you can take a picture of something. It does have reasonably modern infrastructure and architecture despite its troubles, but a UN report as early as 1952 stated that the Strip was too small to support its population of 300,000, and now there are well over 1.7 million inhabitants and the unemployment rate is 22.6% (CIA 2012 estimate). Life in Gaza for children and families. Take it. As of July 2014, a return to military conflict has caused substantial harm in the region, with destruction of property and civilian fatalities, although a ceasefire has been attempted. Both city and strip are pretty much interchangeably referred to as Gaza and this guide will follow suit. Here you can even notice several Jewish tombs, which for me was something really unexpected. Built by the Mamluks in the 14th century, it incorporated elements and features of the religious buildings that had stood here in the previous epochs, e.g. If you do manage to get into Gaza, be aware that civilian infrastructure has been hit very hard, and your presence in the strip will divert resources from the needy, and you should most certainly leave as soon as possible. Gaza Strip. And for a long time it did: a staging post on trade routes connecting Asia and Persia with Arabia, Egypt and Africa, even the name means "treasure" in Arabic. It’s inhabited by 2 million people, among whom some 1.4 million are Palestinian refugees from towns and villages destroyed or occupied by Israel during the 1948 and 1967 wars. Not far away, slightly hidden from the street by a tall fence, is the Holy Family church. Your email address will not be published. You then wait outside an electronic gate for your turn to be called through. 20 killed in Gaza as Israel responds to Hamas rocket barrage Rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, Monday, May 10, 2021. Hostilities resumed in 2012, but a short-lived ceasefire was restored with the help of Egyptian mediation. Watch later. If you're using Erez you're probably "western", and you're safer in Israeli hands. Wikivoyage. Please help me. You're then free and in Israel. Foustouk and simsimiya. Be careful, however, in the port area where some street vendors may feel tempted to overcharge you (once I was asked to pay 20 ILS for a bottle of juice which actually costs 2-3 ILS). It serves the local Catholic community of not more than 200-250 people. This is symptomatic of rampant alcohol … At Erez, you have to approach the Israeli soldier in a pillbox. Fresh Israeli airstrike on Gaza Strip _____ Israeli warplanes launched an air raid overnight nearby the Jabaliya interloper stay in the northern Gaza Strip but there were no injuries, Palestinian security officials pronounced Wednesday.File design shows medics treating an harmed man at a sanatorium in Gaza City Mar 22. Population: 4 018 000 Income group: Middle Gross national income per capita: $1 422 NA TIONAL LEGISLA TION Speed limits set nationally Local authorities can set lower limits Maximum limit urban roads Enforcementb Yes No 50 km/h Drink driving law BAC limit general population BAC limit young or novice drivers Road traf c deaths involving alcohol … I want to go to Gaza for relief work and I am read to work with any organisation of there , but I am so confused about getting Permit for entry. There's very little to do in Gaza for the average tourist. Israel is trying for many years to help the Palestinians as much as they can while fight terrorism. There are several hotels in Gaza. The Islamist Hamas won elections in 2006 and violently kicked out the remnants of the Palestinian Authority in 2007. Reports exist of Hamas police asking for bribes of up to US$5,000 to allow people, including Palestinians, out of Gaza. Known locally as Tell Umm Al-‘Amer, this is considered to be the oldest monastery in Palestine, founded in the 4th century by Hilarion the Great. alcohol rehabilitation programs Sunday, October 3, 2010. All boats coming from Gaza are allowed to venture six nautical miles into the sea. You then enter the terminal, hand your passport and coordination over to another soldier to receive an Israeli exit stamp. The Trademark Office in Gaza has issued a Ministerial Decision (No. Israel's incursion into the Gaza Strip triggered a bloody war. I don’t see why Israel should be unhappy about this article. Take a dose of adrenaline on locally constructed rides and the panoramic wheel, splash in the water park, visit “Palestine in Miniature” and the zoo. There is no public transport in Gaza, but there are numerous service (ser-VEESS) taxis. Today these hotels survive mainly as restaurants and wedding halls. University Students in the Gaza Strip, Arab Psychiatric Journal, 18 (1), 10-20. Agoras are not used and the price is normally rounded up / down to 1 ILS. Plenty of houses and villas can be found in the countryside which owners offer for short-term rent. Unlike the West Bank travel documentation does not need to be kept at hand at all times. Cultivated land. The standard language is Arabic. Once a handful of people have gathered, one of the doors will open (indicated by a green light on top of the door). There is also a small Christian community of some 1000 people who live in good relations with the rest of the population. momento-films.com . too. There are also many banks with ATMs, however, I don’t recommend this option as your card may end up being blocked for attempts to withdraw from such a controversial place. They will ask additional questions, check your passport and bags and register your entry into the Strip. Portions of this page, written based on experiences over the last 10 years, may be out of date as experiences from before the Hamas takeover in 2007, open military conflict (27 Dec 2008 - 18 Jan 2009), or the Israeli blockade differ from the current situation on the ground. I am a Belgian citizen and Gaza is listed as a “strongly discouraged area” to travel to, by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The entrance is from Saladin street, with prior arrangement through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. For the time being, the closest airports are El Arish International Airport in Egypt (which has no commercial flights) and Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv (TLV IATA). Feb 11, 2014 - The most elegant and sophisticated cafe in Gaza Strip. As for my personal experience, I think that the best way to travel to Gaza is from Israel (Erez border crossing) because it’s safer and better organized. There is no regular public transport in Gaza, except for some private buses that the government and universities hire to transport commuting employees and students for a small fee. Navigation is done by landmark, not street address. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel unleashed new airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, hitting the high-rise home of a Hamas field commander and two border tunnels dug by militants, Old railway – Not far away is Sikka street, where the Haifa-Cairo railway used to pass before 1967. Departure is usually from a specific spot in each city. University Students in the Gaza Strip, Arab Psychiatric Journal, 18 (1), 10-20. 6 years ago | 0 view. "I take them because it makes me forget, at least for a little while, that I'm in Gaza," says Abu Alaa, a resident of the strip and father of four. Tue, 14 May 2013 17:09 PM . GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's militant Islamic Hamas rulers have burned a large stash of seized narcotics and sentenced two dealers to death as part of their campaign against drugs. momento-films.com. Follow. In practice, it can take months, and if you're not either a fully accredited journalist or an aid/human rights worker, you're unlikely to get permission to enter Gaza from Israel. When you reach the end of the tunnel, you'll see several doors. The other main towns of Khan Yunis and Rafah are near the southern border, with most of the rest covered with agricultural land. From Eritrea to Sudan, Syria, and Pakistan, Joan Torres has been traveling to some of the most off the beaten track destinations on Earth since 2014. In the evening, you can enjoy a magical sunset from one of the seafront cafés. It may appear grey and unattractive at first glance, but it’s definitely worth taking a stroll in the downtown area full of shops, market stalls and warm smiles of locals. There’re several other places around Rafah which could be interesting to see, like the archeological area of Tell Rafah and the so-called Swedish village located on the coast some 50 meters from the border with Egypt. A man will take your passport and call ahead to tell the Israelis you're coming. If you have a permit, you need coordination with the Israeli Army, specifying when you are planning to enter and leave Gaza. Or if two strangers start arguing in the street, passers-by will immediately intervene to calm the situation down. There are plenty of options for every wallet: from street food and cafés to posh restaurants. Despite the intense conflict and rhetoric, Gazans use the Israeli shekel (₪). The route is controlled by Hamas, and the point of entry and exit is controlled by Egyptian Police. RISKING the anger of Muslim fundamentalists and defying some traditions, Gazans have staged a Western-style fashion show less than a year after Pal The same ”contact” person would have to meet you at your point of entry. Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova’s instructions follow Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova’s recommendations to avoid alcohol and immunosuppressants for 42 days because the two … On the other side of the street is Louvre Café on the top floor of the glass building. Usual Arabic cheap eats are available anywhere. Israel has also heavily restricted the movement of trade, aid, and people between Gaza and Israel in response to attacks on border crossing points and the Hamas government's non-recognition of Israel. JERUSALEM/GAZA (Reuters) -Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired rockets toward the Jerusalem area and southern Israel on Monday, carrying out a threat to punish Israel for violent confrontations with Palestinians in Jerusalem. On the border with the Gaza Strip, an Israeli family visits the water reservoir of Nir Am and contemplates the Gaza Strip, which remains closed. WOULD it be possible? The owner is a history and archeology lover – his rich collection of antiquities is displayed for free in the foyer of the hotel. Go towards Omari mosque – The oldest and biggest in the Strip. Also visit the hut to the left to check your Hamas credentials). If you’re photographing random people, be polite and ask permission in advance. Read: Visiting Aleppo during the post-war. Better bring enough cash. Do expect inconveniences like power cuts and water issues. Due to increasingly strong Hamas influences, alcohol is no longer available. Gaza was part of the Ottoman Empire, before it was occupied by the United Kingdom (1918–1948), Egypt (1948–1967), and then Israel, which in 1994 granted the Palestinian Authority in Gaza limited self-governance through the Oslo Accords.Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has been de facto governed by Hamas, which claims to represent the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people. Contrary to much of the TV coverage, the Gaza Strip isn't a completely devastated community, although this birthplace of the intifada and one of the most densely populated parts of the planet isn't exactly paradise on earth, either. Most of them will do everything to make you feel welcome. Wählen Sie aus erstklassigen Inhalten zum Thema Adel Zaanoun in höchster Qualität. All beaches are public and very crowded in the summer. GAZA, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - 30th MARCH, 2018. PNEUMONIA AT PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNITS - GAZA STRIP Akram Abu Salah*1, Ahmed Abuadwan2 and Khalil Abu Shuaib1 1Palestine College of Nursing, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip… ), Need to know about Israeli passport stamps in 2020, 25 Best places to visit in the Middle East in 2021, Israel – Jordan border crossing: Ultimate guide 2020, Travel to Palestine (West Bank) – 2-week itinerary + Tips, Backpacking in Uzbekistan in 2021 – 1 to 3-week itinerary, Tips and how to travel to Kyrgyzstan (2021), Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: 1 to 4-week itinerary. What was once part of a big caravanserai – “khan” in Arabic – now is only a façade with the former city gate, the minaret and several empty rooms used for storing goods in the past. Under Hamas rule, there have been repeated incidents of missile launches from Gaza into Israel and Israeli targeted assassinations of terrorists in Gaza, bombings, and incursions or invasions of Gaza. General Information. Bags are given a quick search on entry to Gaza. The urban sprawl of Gaza City, mostly stretching along and around the 3-km long Omar al-Mukhtar Street, covers much of the north. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra) There are nice sunsets though over the Med, which can be seen from hotels like the Al Deira. Wait until one of the lights go green then enter that doorway. Fast food like pizzas and burgers are also popular. Average costs are 100-150 dollars per house per day. The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian territory in the Middle East. Some elderly Gazans still remember the times when they could take the train and reach Cairo in one night, without any borders, permits and security concerns. Your article is a refreshing eye-opener. Owned by the ancient Jewish community of Samaritans till the 16th century, today it’s an excellent place to relax and socialize with ordinary Gazans. Der Gazastreifen, seltener auch Gasastreifen (arabisch قطاع غزة, DMG Qitāʿ Ġazza, hebräisch רצועת עזה Retzuat 'Asa), ist ein Only vehicles with prior coordination (such as a handful of UN cars) are allowed to drive in and only after a thorough search, which may take months. Hi, In the Gaza Strip, Israel has continued to monitor the situation closely, and has worked with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the United Nations. That’s why a local friend may be helpful. Once inside the Israeli terminal, you and your luggage will undergo a thorough X-ray and physical checks, then passport control where you’ll receive the blue entry card. The Gaza Strip is a narrow, 40-km long slice of land between the Mediterranean to the west and the Negev desert to the east. Only boats with prior permission are allowed in. You can also just show up without booking – chances are high that you will be the only guest. Finden Sie perfekte Stock-Fotos zum Thema Adel Zaanoun sowie redaktionelle Newsbilder von Getty Images. Also, there are two high-level hotels in Sudaniya district, north of Gaza City: The latter means “museum” in Arabic and is a private boutique hotel with stylish rooms and authentic Palestinian vibes. Police station? Hebrew is also understood to some extent, but given the dislike towards Israelis by many Palestinians, English is a safer option. The baths have preserved their original structure and heating system. Beware that medical evacuations to Israel can require a long wait at the border. Qaysariya and Zawiya markets – Adjacent to the mosque you find two markets. There seem to be quite a lot of hosts on Couchsurfing offering hospitality throughout the Strip. While relative calm between Israel and Hamas has returned as of 2016, tensions or even outright hostilities may start again without much warning signs basically over night. Feb 11, 2014 - The most elegant and sophisticated cafe in Gaza Strip. Average accommodation, however, is not as cheap as one may imagine compared to local living standards. The Gaza Strip is occasionally subject to Israeli military operations (which include aerial and naval bombardment as well as ground incursions) as well as armed confrontations between the Hamas authorities and Fatah factions. It’s just facts and personal impressions of my stay in Gaza , Hello, There are quite a few hotels in Gaza City: Marna House, Al-Deira, Roots, Commodore Gaza, Gloria, Grand Palace, City Star, Palestine. Another way in is through the Rafah Crossing in the South, on the border with Egypt. If the driver is not headed that way, he may drive on. The following are all in Gaza City. It is strongly recommended not to attempt to visit Gaza in this manner. Palestine travel guide by Bradt – The guide I bought when I traveled in the West Bank also has a full episode dedicated to the Gaza Strip. bis Ramses IV. According to eyewitnesses, the 19-year-old was shot and apprehended by Israeli soldiers. Learn some phrases in Arabic or, better, get an Arabic-speaking companion because their level of English is very limited. Very few have ever managed to enter it due to existing travel restrictions and because of safety concerns. You will not be allowed to take pictures. Can I ask how you got a permit to enter? However, it is also possible to stay with locals who might even invite you over for a night. This travel guide page was last edited at 11:49, on 31 March 2021 by Wikivoyage user. Power outages are very common since the European Commission handed over control of the fuel obtainment to the Palestinian Authority in 2009 as Hamas has so far failed to pay 20% of the fuel costs. This is a guest post written by fellow traveler @log_nick. Also, I think it’s a must for everybody whoever visits Gaza to try one of the local fish and seafood restaurants. Christians can only continue living safely in the Gaza Strip if they accept Islamic law, including a ban on alcohol and on women roaming publicly without proper head coverings, an Islamist militant leader in Gaza told WND in an exclusive interview . Once through, take the taxi (₪3/person) to the forward checkpoint (where the wire fence begins). Any vessel crossing this line is fired on. Finally, it is not unheard of to be invited over for dinner. Wednesday market – By the way, today the city is well-known for its Wednesday market which takes place in the central streets and draws people from all over the Strip. Trouvez les Agressive Selling images et les photos d’actualités parfaites sur Getty Images. Tap water in Gaza is not potable and is often dangerously dirty. Mosque of the Dome – Also north of Khan Yunis, an unusual mosque called Mosque of the Dome is worth a visit. Popular dishes are “zibdiya” (a traditional clay bowl with shrimps stewed in tomato sauce with peppers and spices), grilled seabream called “denis” and roasted crabs – “salta’onat”. However, the Club was bombed by unknown attackers on New Year's Eve 2006. Part of the railway – “Sikka” in Arabic – has been preserved as a monument. Today a local family, employed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, takes care of the cemetery. The main historical sites are concentrated in Daraj, Tuffah and Zeitun districts and are all easily walkable. GAZA, June 10 (Reuters) - Abu Hafss is not happy. Israel unilaterally disengaged from Gaza in 2005, evacuating Jewish settlements and withdrawing its troops from the territory. There, some PA officers may ask you some questions about the purpose of your visit in Gaza before letting you through the gate to the Hamas side. Having friends there has heightened my awareness of the trauma and disorientation families experience due to the nightly Israeli post-midnight bombings. Coming through the tunnel, you cross a no-man's-land. From personal experience, eating in high-end restaurants on the seafront doesn’t necessarily mean better food quality or more variety of dishes. Most of them are devoted Muslims and religion plays a fundamental role in every aspect of their daily lives. Wait patiently. I got a special work visa that allowed entry / exit through the Erez crossing. Located north of Shujaiya district, it’s a wide green field with over 1700 graves of soldiers most of whom died in this area during World War I. Women should dress conservatively, especially if entering refugee camps. This area comprises everything that is north of Gaza city, in particular, the towns of Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanun. My recommendation to anyone who is considering a visit as a volunteer is to connect with Palestinians in Gaza well in advance of your travels by using social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are great places to explore for friendship opportunities. Relatives of 27-year-old Palestinian farmer Omar Samour, who was killed earlier in the day by Israeli tank fire, recite prayers as they stand above his body in the morgue of a hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza strip on March 30, 2018. Get vaccinated, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent. You can meet some extraordinary people through interactions with a number of groups, including the young writers of We Are Not Numbers, for example. The Gaza Strip is a piece of land occupied by Palestinians, bordering both Egypt and Israel. A lot of people will stop you in the street out of curiosity, as well as the police may check your documents.