Christmas Eve in Manger Square in Bethlehem. Hours could be spent exploring the streets, sights, and shops of the Old City. In recent years, an alternative tourism market has also been developing that explores other sides and areas of Jerusalem. Bethlehem also has significance as a Jewish religious site since King David was born here and the Matriarch Rachael is buried in Bethlehem.

How to travel to Gaza



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The largest city is Gaza. Understand[ edit ] Positioned between Israel and Egypt , Gaza has a reasonably modern infrastructure and architecture despite its troubles, but a UN report as early as stated that the Strip was too small to support its population of ,, and now there are well over 1. History[ edit ] The earliest known reference to Gaza is an inscription in the Temple of Amun at Karnak, Egypt, dated BC, which states that the town of Gaza is 'flourishing'. And for a long time it did: Alexander the Great laid siege to the town in BC, executing 10, defenders after being held off for two months.


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History of Gaza Rule over Gaza, overview Gaza was part of the Ottoman Empire , before it was occupied by the United Kingdom — , Egypt — , and then Israel, which in granted the Palestinian Authority in Gaza limited self-governance through the Oslo Accords. Since , the Gaza Strip has been de facto governed by Hamas , which claims to represent the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people. The territory is still considered to be occupied by Israel by the United Nations, International human rights organisations, and the majority of governments and legal commentators, despite the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. It reserves the right to enter Gaza at will with its military and maintains a no-go buffer zone within the Gaza territory.




Preparing for Gaza and crossing the divide There are only two entry and exit points for the Gaza Strip: Rafah lies on the southern end of Gaza, bordering Egypt, and Erez is on the northern end, bordering Israel. Erez is strictly for international aid workers, press, and those Israel deems acceptable to let in and out. Very rarely are Palestinians permitted exit and entry through this point, and months of prior coordination with the Israeli government is needed to cross at Erez.