About the Book: A Short History of the Gaza Strip* by historian Anne Irfan clarifies the region’s political importance through six key moments in its modern history, starting with Israel’s 1948 expulsion of Palestinians that shaped Gaza into the “strip” it is today. The book traces Israel’s occupation, the Palestinian struggle, the formation of the PLO, the first intifada, the Palestinian Authority’s creation, and Hamas’s rise. Irfan addresses common misconceptions and untangles conflicting narratives surrounding Gaza. Drawing from a decade of research, she incorporates the voices of everyday Palestinians, including farmers, teachers, poets, and activists. Written with clarity and compassion, this book is essential for understanding the complexities of Gaza and Palestine today.