A Spatial Biography of Jabalya Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

The spatial dimension of refugee camps is seldom studied (beyond stereotypical characterization), notwithstanding their unique spatial qualities. Viewed in hindsight their proper understanding is also essential to enhance the relevance, significance, and efficiency of the various improvement programs. This paper aims to develop a spatial biography of the Palestinian refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. The analysis is specifically concerned with the physical conditions of public spaces which are interactive with political, social, and economic agencies. The paper is organized in three main sections in accordance with the major political powers that ruled the camp from 1948 to the present. Each section provides a thick description of how the political powers, traditions and other agencies intertwined, produced and reproduced the space.