An urgent and compelling study of Gaza from one of the region’s most experienced journalists
REVISED AND UPDATED EDITION
‘A brilliant and incisive account of this tiny, vibrant, but embattled enclave… a must-read.’ Jon Snow
October 7th, 2023. Hamas and other militant groups invaded southern Israel. It was the day that changed the face of the Middle East.
Since then, the two million Palestinians living in the Gaza strip have been under constant siege. With the daily threat of Israeli airstrikes and lacking food, water and basic medical supplies, tens of thousands have died.
Uniquely imprisoned, even in times of relative peace, most Palestinians in Gaza cannot travel beyond the confines of the Strip – in times of war, escape is impossible. They live under total blockade – economic and armed – and yet so many remain courageous, outspoken and steadfast.
Donald Macintyre, the Independent’s former Jerusalem bureau chief, lays bare Gaza’s human tragedy and reveals how it became a crucible of conflict and a byword for suffering. He identifies the repeated failings – including those of the international community – that have let countless opportunities for peace pass by. Impassioned and expert, Gaza is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the region and the future of Palestinian statehood.
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‘Even-handed, balanced and devastating.’ Ari Shavit, TLS
‘Superb…essential reading.’ Tribune
‘The inflammable world of Middle Eastern politics is treacherous terrain… Macintyre navigates it with sensitivity, skill and the diligence of a committed reporter.’ Mail on Sunday
‘A brilliant and incisive account of this tiny, vibrant, but embattled enclave. With the two million people of Gaza struggling to survive food shortages, electricity cuts, and increasing amounts of sewage in her surrounding seas, this is a must-read.’
'This is a book which answers a lot of questions, and prompts quite a few more…Donald Macintyre is to be commended for his forthright approach.’
'As head of the Independent’s Jerusalem bureau, Donald Macintyre followed Gaza at a critical time, as he recounts in his highly impressive book Gaza: Preparing for dawn (2017). Macintyre was there when Israel dismantled the settlements, when Hamas won the democratic elections of 2006, and when it took full control in a coup a year later. He was also there when Hamas fired rockets into neighbouring Sderot, and when Israel retaliated with repeated incursions. His first-hand account of the tragedy is even-handed, balanced and devastating.'
‘The inflammable world of Middle Eastern politics is treacherous terrain for those who don’t know it well, and even for those who do: Macintyre navigates it with sensitivity, skill and the diligence of a committed reporter… Along the way he fills readers in on the history that led to today’s impasse.’
