Borderscapes phenomena in Gaza Strip: Counter-speculations and possibilities for healing

Abstract: This research explores the phenomenon of borders in the Gaza Strip, focusing on their role as both physical and conceptual structures of division and power. The study delves into the southern border of Gaza, particularly the Rafah crossing, to analyze how borders function as mechanisms of separation, surveillance, and control, while simultaneously serving as spaces of negotiation, resilience, and imaginative subversion.
Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the research examines the spatial, political, and emotional dimensions of borders, addressing themes such as partition, connection, border landscapes, and the psychological impact of border regimes. Through speculative and imaginative interventions, the study reimagines border spaces as sites of safety, healing, and transformation. Inspired by real-life events and theoretical perspectives, the research employs counter-narratives and creative methodologies to propose alternative border practices that challenge the prevailing narratives of exclusion and oppression.
By reflecting on historical and contemporary examples, the study advocates for a rethinking of border spaces, suggesting flexible and humane approaches that allow for coexistence and the restoration of human dignity. Ultimately, the research aims to transcend the rigid and oppressive connotations of borders, offering a vision of resilience and innovation in the face of political and spatial fragmentation.