Context:
Gaza Strip has gained international attention due to the recent increase in hostilities between Israel and Hamas militants.
About Gaza Strip:
- Location – eastern Mediterranean basin
- Borders – Egypt, Israel and Mediterranean Sea.
- Related Border Areas –
- Rafah crossing – Southernmost post of exit from the Gaza Strip (Palestine) and borders with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
- Erez Crossing – A crossing for people with Israel in northern Gaza.
- Kerem Shalom Crossing – A solely commercial goods junction with Israel in southern Gaza.
Rafah crossing is now the only crossing point for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Condition of Gaza:
- Main economic activities – farming, small-scale manufacturing, and crafting.
- Relies heavily on Israel for essential resources like water, electricity, and food.
- Serious water crisis in Gaza, with pollution and saltwater intrusion.
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Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Central Asia
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa
Answer: (b)
