RAF Gaza, Royal Air Force station in Gaza, Palestine.
RAF Gaza was a military airfield situated near the Mediterranean coast with runways designed to handle both civilian aircraft and military planes. The site corresponds roughly to the current Karni crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, where traces of British concrete infrastructure remain visible.
The facility was constructed in 1917 under Ottoman administration and later became a key British Royal Air Force base serving multiple squadrons during World War II. Its transformation from early aviation hub to major military installation reflected the strategic importance of the location during wartime operations.
The airfield served as a crossroads for international travel, connecting Gaza to distant cities across three continents through regular passenger services. This role made it a gateway for commerce and communication in the eastern Mediterranean region.
The site is best approached from the northern or eastern side, with relatively flat and open terrain making it easy to understand the layout. Visitors should be aware that the location is now difficult to access and requires advance research to locate the specific area.
From July to September 1942, the base was repurposed as the Middle East's central ammunition depot during peak wartime operations. This brief but vital role as a supply hub demonstrates how quickly its function shifted based on military needs.
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