Imagined Geographies Vs. Real Geographies: The Devolution and Reimagining of the Egypt-Gaza Border in the Face of Catastrophe

The geography of Gaza, long a site of political contestation, has become a focal point of catastrophic destruction following the events of October 7, 2023. Israeli military actions in Gaza, compounded by a history of displacement and border instability, have exacerbated the erasure of both real and imagined geographies. This paper explores the rapid devolution of the Egypt-Gaza border, tracing its historical roots and examining how recent events have intensified the need to reconsider its future. Through an analysis of historical geography, contemporary border politics, and the role of displaced Palestinian communities, this paper argues that imagined geographies play a crucial role in shaping the possibilities for reconstruction and reclamation in Gaza. As Palestinian refugees and displaced populations continue to draw upon memory and historical imagination, they offer new visions of what liberation and return might look like in a landscape ravaged by war. By focusing on the dynamic relationship between rapidly devolving real and imagined geographies, this paper highlights how catastrophe destroys and reshapes borders, raising critical questions about the future of Gaza and its surrounding regions.