Introduction to the History of Gaza Resources
The history of Gaza is as complex as it is contested, shaped by centuries of shifting powers, cultures, and geopolitical realities. In building this resource list, our aim has been to gather works that approach the subject with scholarly rigor, balanced perspective, and deep respect for evidence. These books and studies draw on extensive primary sources, historical archives, and the voices of those who have lived the region’s history. They do not speak for one side or the other, but instead seek to illuminate the events, forces, and decisions that have shaped Gaza and the wider Israeli–Palestinian landscape.
The works in this section span multiple genres and perspectives. Ian Black’s Enemies and Neighbors offers a century-long narrative of Arabs and Jews in Palestine and Israel, noted for its nuanced portrayal of both communities’ histories. Jean-Pierre Filiu’s Gaza: A History takes the long view, tracing Gaza’s story from antiquity to the modern era, highlighting the region’s resilience and cultural continuity. Joe Sacco’s Footnotes in Gaza uses the medium of graphic journalism to revisit the 1956 massacres in Khan Younis and Rafah, blending investigative rigor with humanizing detail.
Some works focus on the modern political era. Rashid Khalidi’s The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine and Norman Finkelstein’s Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom provide deeply documented accounts of political developments, wars, and international responses, while Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé’s Gaza in Crisis examines the intersection of military strategy, public perception, and humanitarian realities. Each work is meticulously sourced and has been recognized, even by those who may not share all its conclusions, for contributing meaningfully to an informed understanding of Gaza’s history.
By presenting these diverse, non-partisan resources together, we hope to offer readers a foundation for informed reflection — one that recognizes the complexity of the past, avoids oversimplification, and leaves space for empathy, nuance, and continued learning.
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Black, Ian. Enemies and Neighbors: Arabs and Jews in Palestine and Israel, 1917–2017. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2017.
This comprehensive history by veteran journalist Ian Black examines a century of intertwined Jewish and Arab history in Palestine and Israel. Drawing on archival records, interviews, and first-hand reporting, Black presents key political turning points, wars, peace efforts, and daily life narratives from both perspectives. The book is noted for its even-handedness, making it valuable for readers seeking a nuanced, balanced overview.
Chomsky, Noam, and Ilan Pappé. Gaza in Crisis: Reflections on Israel’s War Against the Palestinians. Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2010.
Through essays and conversations, Chomsky and Pappé examine Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, the humanitarian consequences, and the shaping of public perception. The book situates Gaza’s situation within broader regional and global politics, making it relevant for readers interested in the intersection of military action, media narratives, and international law.
Filiu, Jean-Pierre. Gaza: A History. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014.
Historian Jean-Pierre Filiu traces Gaza’s story from antiquity to the present, offering the first complete historical account of the territory in any language. The narrative spans ancient civilizations, Ottoman and British rule, Egyptian administration, and Israeli occupation, situating Gaza as both a strategic crossroads and a resilient cultural space. It is especially useful for understanding Gaza beyond its contemporary political framing.
Finkelstein, Norman G. Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018.
Finkelstein offers a detailed legal and political analysis of Israel’s military operations in Gaza since 2008, drawing heavily on UN reports, human rights investigations, and Israeli government documents. The work critiques the blockade, military tactics, and international responses, providing an evidence-based resource for understanding the humanitarian and legal dimensions of Gaza’s recent history.
Khalidi, Rashid. The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2020.
Khalidi, a Palestinian historian, frames the conflict as a series of confrontations shaped by colonialism and resistance. Using his family’s archives alongside international diplomatic records, he constructs a narrative grounded in documentary evidence. While it reflects a Palestinian perspective, the book is widely regarded for its scholarly rigor and clear historical analysis.
Milton-Edwards, Beverley, and Stephen Farrell. Hamas: The Islamic Resistance Movement. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2010.
This work provides a scholarly history of Hamas, Gaza’s most prominent political and military faction, situating it within the broader context of Palestinian politics and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Drawing on interviews and research in Gaza and beyond, it examines Hamas’s social, religious, and political roles, offering insight into one of the region’s key actors.
Sacco, Joe. Footnotes in Gaza. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2009.
This work of graphic journalism investigates the 1956 killings of Palestinians in Khan Younis and Rafah, blending survivor testimonies with meticulous archival research. Sacco’s illustrated reportage connects these events to present-day Gaza under blockade, offering a visually compelling and humanizing approach to historical storytelling. It is accessible for a wide range of readers, including those new to the subject.
