Gaza: The Overcrowding Myth

http://blog.z-word.com/2009/09/gaza-the-overcrowding-myth/ ^ | Fabián

[ventanax5]

There is a common misconception that the Gaza Strip is “one of the most populated places on the planet”. Sometimes this is said because people want to emphasize the plight of the “overcrowded” Palestinian people, accuse Israel of stealing most of “Palestinian” land, and sometimes it is said by others to remark that in case of war in the Gaza strip, there is no chance of fighting it without hitting civilians, since the Palestinians are, as if were, living one over the other.

But the Gaza Strip is not one of the most populated places on the planet. Nor Gaza city is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. And not even Gaza refugee camps are somehow unique in this respect.

The misperception is based on two true facts:

[marron]

Still, the areas and distances we’re dealing with are surprisingly small. Israel is about the size of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, and Gaza about the size of one or two of the suburbs.

[cpdiii]

Go to Google maps and look at the aerial photos. Gaza is indeed quite populated. However, there is also much farmland there. If the terrorists launch attacks (rockets) from these open areas they would be taken out quickly by the Israelis. They have chosen to use the urban areas to fight from as it gives them protection. The bad guys have brought the killing to the population of Gaza, not Israel.

[oneolcop]

Wow, You learn something every day. Hopefully, people will deride those in the media who continue to perpetuate the “overcrowded Gaza” myth.

[SJackson]

Middle East and terrorism, occasional political and Jewish issues Ping List. High Volume

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[Tolik]

Good catch. Thank you for bringing it up.

[agrace]

Great blog article - well done.