The politics of toponyms in Gaza, from the Egyptian Administration to Hamas rule

This paper examines how toponyms in Gaza have been shaped by the changing politics, values, and priorities of ruling elites under four successive leaderships starting in 1948 with the Nakba, or permanent displacement of the majority of Palestinian Arabs. While scholarly attention has been paid to toponyms in the West Bank and elsewhere in the Middle East, no studies to date focus on toponyms in Gaza. Investigating toponyms of the four regimes that have ruled Gaza since 1948 (the Egyptian Administration, Israeli Occupation, Palestinian Authority, and Hamas) provides insights into the varied priorities of the ruling elite and the politics of naming. In the context of Gaza’s successive regime changes, highly restrictive blockade, and ongoing occupation, toponyms demonstrate the variety of often conflicting perspectives and ideals among Palestinians within Gaza and how they are inscribed on public space, while drawing attention to the differences and similarities between political regimes.