Gaza
Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate.
Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a population of 590,481 people as of 2017, Gaza City was the most populous city in Palestine until the Gaza war caused most of the population to be displaced.
Getting to Gaza
Getting into Gaza is both difficult and unwise. As of around 2003, all would-be visitors were required to apply in advance for Israeli permission to enter the Strip. The application is usually submitted through your embassy in Israel and, in theory takes between 5–10 days.
Worth seeing
Traditional sightseeing, cultural tours, and recreational activities in Gaza have been entirely halted due to widespread destruction and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Landmark cultural venues, historic archaeological sites, and public recreational spaces are either completely inaccessible, closed, or ruined.
Things to do
The pristine Mediterranean coastline, which historically served as the primary social hub for Gazans to swim, fish, and walk along the beach cornice, is highly restricted and dangerous. Coastal pollution from damaged wastewater infrastructure and active military security zones have rendered the beaches unsafe for any form of leisure or relaxation.
Where to eat
Traditional food in Gaza features classic Palestinian dishes heavily influenced by its coastal location, local agriculture, and regional Levantine flavors. Due to ongoing conflict and blockades, regular tourism and commercial dining options are heavily restricted or non-existent.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Trougnouf (CC BY 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.