Area: Gaza

Camp Size: 0.6

Population Size: 29,031

Established date: 1949

Background:

Maghazi camp is located in the centre of the Gaza Strip, south of Bureij camp. It was established in 1949 and is one of the smaller camps in Gaza, both in terms of size and population.

Maghazi is characterised by narrow alleys and high population density, with more than 29,031 refugees housed in an area of no more than 0.6 square kilometres. Most of the refugees who took shelter in Maghazi as they fled the hostilities of the 1948 war originated from villages in central and southern Palestine.

No construction or repair work can take place as the blockade prevents Palestinians living in Gaza from importing building materials. This has intensified problems housing the expanding population and maintaining the camp’s overstretched infrastructure.

MAJOR CHALLENGES

Widespread poverty, unemployment, a shortage in available housing and lack of an adequate electricity supply are some of the challenges facing camp residents.

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UNRWA website