Who Controls the Gaza Strip? A Complex Status

The Gaza Strip's status defies simple "ownership" labels. It is a Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation with a unique governance structure.

Legal Framework

• 1967: Israel captures Gaza from Egypt in Six-Day War. Military occupation begins.
• 1993–1995 Oslo Accords: Palestinian Authority (PA) gains limited self-rule (civil affairs, security in Areas A/B). Gaza = Area A (PA civil/security control).
• 2005: Israel unilaterally disengages—removes settlers, soldiers. But retains control of:

• Airspace
• Territorial waters
• Land crossings (except Rafah/Egypt)
• Population registry, tax revenue, electromagnetic sphere

• 2007: Hamas wins legislative election, then seizes Gaza by force. PA retains West Bank. Hamas governs Gaza de facto.
• 2007–present: Israel/Egypt impose blockade citing security. Severe restrictions on movement, goods, dual-use materials.

Current Reality

• Sovereignty: Internationally recognized as part of the occupied Palestinian territories (future Palestinian state).
• Governance: Hamas (de facto), PA (de jure, pays some salaries, coordinates some services).
• Control: Israel controls borders, air, sea, buffer zones, incursions. Egypt controls Rafah crossing.
• Humanitarian: 2.3M people in 365 km²; 80% aid-dependent; infrastructure crippled.

No single entity exercises full sovereignty. The territory exists in a legal and humanitarian gray zone.