Ownership of Gaza: A Debate Going Back to the Ottoman Times
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World
February 15, 2025 05:30
gaza strip - The ownership and control of Gaza Strip is under debate following US President Trump's remarks on taking control, with conflicting land laws dating back to the Ottoman era.
Ownership Dispute in Gaza Strip
Following US President Donald Trump's statements on taking control of Gaza Strip, the debate over its ownership and control has resurfaced.
Gaza, currently governed by Hamas, is seen by most countries as part of the Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah. To legally take control of Gaza, Trump would need to engage with Ramallah, according to Yossi Beilin, a key figure in the Oslo Accords that established the Palestinian Authority.
The land laws governing ownership in Gaza stem from British, Egyptian, and Palestinian laws, with some regulations dating back to the time of the Ottoman Empire. A 2015 study by the Norwegian Refugee Council revealed that up to half of the land in Gaza is privately owned, allowing for transactions. However, due to extensive changes in ownership over time, determining property rights in the region remains a major challenge.
Despite Trump's ambitions, Gazans express their determination to stay on their land, resisting any forced displacement.