Gaza
The Dream and the Nightmare
1st Edition
Published on 24. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-1-5095-6502-3 (ISBN)
Description
In this urgent and compelling book, Julie M. Norman and Maia Carter Hallward tell the story of Gaza from its early foundations, across decades of occupation, to the devastation of the ongoing war. Rather than focusing on elites or abstract politics, at the book's heart are ordinary Gazans - students, aid workers, journalists, and teachers - whose first-hand testimonies vividly illuminate the realities behind the headlines.
Refusing to sensationalize or oversimplify, the book reckons with the legal, moral, and humanitarian deabtes surrounding Gaza, from war crimes investigations to the contested meaning of resistance and the politicization of aid. Combining a nuanced narrative with hard-hitting reflections from everyday Gazans, the book serves as a timely and necessary disruption of media cliches and political binaries, and from the perspectives of its own people.
Also available as an audiobook.
Refusing to sensationalize or oversimplify, the book reckons with the legal, moral, and humanitarian deabtes surrounding Gaza, from war crimes investigations to the contested meaning of resistance and the politicization of aid. Combining a nuanced narrative with hard-hitting reflections from everyday Gazans, the book serves as a timely and necessary disruption of media cliches and political binaries, and from the perspectives of its own people.
Also available as an audiobook.
Reviews / Votes
"This book provides a very readable account of the history of Gaza from the mandate period to the First Intifada and on until the present, coming into its own with a comprehensive account of the events following the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. It draws on press sources and informed commentary, illuminated by personal testimonies to draw out the contested terrain of interpretation regarding this beset and besieged strip of land."Anthony Gorman, University of Edinburgh
"A brave and compelling book that brings together many voices from Gaza and beyond to help readers understand the region's history as well as the grave contemporary moment it faces."
Amahl Bishara, Tufts University
"Anyone interested in Gaza should read this book. Norman and Hallward tell the story of Gaza with rigor and nuance, combining a comprehensive history with riveting first-hand accounts from everyday civilians. An urgent and courageous book."
Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House
"An excellent and accessible introduction for those wishing to learn more not just about Gaza's past and present, but also about the ordinary hopes and dignified aspirations of everyday Gazans."
The Irish Times
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 227 mm
Width: 151 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
390 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5095-6502-3 (9781509565023)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Persons
Julie M. Norman is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London, and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.
Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.
Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.
Content
Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. How Gaza Became "The Strip"
2. Gaza Under Occupation
3. Gaza Rises Up
4. Israel's Disengagement
5. The Rise of Hamas
6. Hamas in Government
7. Israel, Hamas, and the Gaza Wars (2008-2021)
8. October 7
9. The Gaza War Begins
10. The Gaza War Continues
11. Regional Escalations
12. International Responses
Conclusion: What Next for Gaza?
Chronology
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. How Gaza Became "The Strip"
2. Gaza Under Occupation
3. Gaza Rises Up
4. Israel's Disengagement
5. The Rise of Hamas
6. Hamas in Government
7. Israel, Hamas, and the Gaza Wars (2008-2021)
8. October 7
9. The Gaza War Begins
10. The Gaza War Continues
11. Regional Escalations
12. International Responses
Conclusion: What Next for Gaza?
Chronology
Notes
Index