Rafah - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Location: Rafah is a city located in the southern Gaza Strip, bordering Egypt to the south and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
- 2. Population: Rafah has a population of around 150,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip.
- 3. History: Rafah has a long history dating back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it has been inhabited for over 3,000 years.
- 4. Economy: Rafah's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and trade. The city also has a significant number of residents who work in the informal sector, such as street vendors and laborers.
- 5. Border Crossing: Rafah is home to the Rafah Border Crossing, which is the main crossing point between Gaza and Egypt. The crossing is often closed due to political tensions and security concerns.
- 6. Refugee Camp: Rafah is also home to the Rafah refugee camp, which was established in 1949 to accommodate Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- 7. Blockade: Rafah, like the rest of the Gaza Strip, has been under a strict blockade imposed by Israel since 2007. This blockade has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of the city.
- 8. Education: Rafah has several schools and educational institutions, including Al-Aqsa University, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- 9. Healthcare: Rafah has a number of hospitals and healthcare facilities, including the Al-Najar Hospital, which provides medical services to residents of the city and surrounding areas.
- 10. Cultural Sites: Rafah is home to several cultural sites, including the Great Mosque of Rafah, which dates back to the Ottoman period, and the Shrine of Shaykh Awadallah, a popular religious site for Muslims in the region.