Gaza - by Julie M Norman & Maia Carter Hallward

Book Synopsis

Since the brutal attacks of October 7, 2023, the Gaza strip - home to over 2 million Palestinians - has once again become a critical flashpoint in the Middle East. As the world looks on in horror at the renewal of intense violence between Hamas and Israel, Gazans are engulfed by a humanitarian and security crisis that shows no signs of abating. How did Gaza become the site of such devastation? And what does the future hold for this small strip of land?

In this urgent book, Julie M. Norman and Maia Carter Hallward provide a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Gaza�s political history. Combining a nuanced narrative with hard-hitting reflections from everyday Gazans, the book tells the dynamic story of how Gaza became an epicenter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a pivotal hot-spot in the region. It also tells the story of a place that, for many residents, is defined by much more than violence or suffering, revealing the resilience and determination of those who live there.

As the world grapples with how to envision Gaza after the latest devastation, this book provides a crucial foundation that unpacks the territory�s history through the voices of its civilians, who are all too often absent from debate.

Review Quotes

"This book is a vivid narrative of the Gaza experience, explaining how Gaza became an isolated and unique front in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how this led to its radicalization and a denouement of tragic proportions."
Alan Dowty, University of Notre Dame and author of Israel/Palestine

"This book provides a very readable account of the history of Gaza from the mandate period to the First Intifada and on until the present, coming into its own with a comprehensive account of the events following the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. It draws on press sources and informed commentary, illuminated by personal testimonies to draw out the contested terrain of interpretation regarding this beset and besieged strip of land."
Anthony Gorman, University of Edinburgh

"A brave and compelling book that brings together many voices from Gaza and beyond to help readers understand the region�s history as well as the grave contemporary moment it faces.�
Amahl Bishara, Tufts University

"Anyone interested in Gaza should read this book. Norman and Hallward tell the story of Gaza with rigor and nuance, combining a comprehensive history with riveting first-hand accounts from everyday civilians. An urgent and courageous book."
Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House

About the Author

Julie M. Norman is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London, and Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East at the Royal United Services Institute.

Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.