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Gaza : The Dream and the Nightmare - Julie M. Norman

Gaza

The Dream and the Nightmare

By: Julie M. Norman, Maia Carter Hallward

Paperback | 30 December 2025

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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.


About the Author

Julie M. Norman is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London, and Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East at the Royal United Services Institute.

Maia Carter Hallward is Director of the PhD Program in International Conflict Management and Professor of Middle East Politics at Kennesaw State University.
Industry Reviews

"This book is a vivid narrative of the Gaza experience, explaining how Gaza became an isolated and unique front in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how this led to its radicalization and a denouement of tragic proportions."
Alan Dowty, University of Notre Dame and author of Israel/Palestine

"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

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