Filiu highlights how Gaza has been a crucial location for various empires and civilizations, from the ancient Philistines to the Ottoman Empire. This has led to periods of great cultural and economic growth, but also to constant power struggles and conflict. Despite its strategic importance, Gaza has often been neglected by the powers that be, leaving its population vulnerable and struggling.

The book emphasizes the deep historical roots of the Palestinian people in Gaza and their constant struggle for self-determination. Filiu details how they have endured through conquest, occupation, and displacement, maintaining their cultural identity and resisting various forms of control. He explores how this resilience has shaped Gaza's social fabric and its response to external pressures.

Filiu provides a critical analysis of the role of international actors in Gaza, arguing that their interventions, often well-intentioned, have ultimately failed to deliver lasting peace or improve the lives of ordinary Palestinians. He examines the limitations of peace processes, the impact of the blockade, and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict, raising important questions about the future of international engagement in the region.