WARNING: Be careful in Gaza: stay away from demonstrations, and stay off the streets at night when most of the clashes happen. Especially avoid areas near the border where airstrikes and gunfire are not uncommon occurrences. Israeli forces heavily guard the border, and you may be shot as an intruder if you are spotted approaching. Also avoid police stations and government buildings, as these are subject to Israeli attacks during military operations. Journalists and other foreign nationals have been kidnapped by various local groups.
The Gaza Strip is occasionally subject to Israeli military operations which include aerial and naval bombardment as well as ground incursions as well as armed confrontations between the Hamas authorities and Fatah factions. While Hamas has managed to curb crime levels in Gaza, some members have been known to beat journalists attempting to cover demonstrations against Hamas. In general, use common sense and avoid these kinds of situations. Consult your embassy for advice and current conditions before setting out. Unlike the West Bank travel documentation does not need to be kept at hand at all times.
It's also worth bearing in mind that Gaza's power station and its substation have been severely damaged by Israeli airstrikes and no longer function at the intended capacity. Power outages are very common since the European Commission handed over control of the fuel obtainment to the Palestinian Authority in 2009 as Hamas has so far failed to pay 20% of the fuel costs. Currently, these outages are countered by large industrial and small commercial diesel generators which combine to create a cacophony that the locals have somehow become desensitised to. Some of these generators are poorly maintained and leak carbon monoxide. Visitors should be wary of this, particularly in enclosed spaces where it has proven fatal.
See also War zone safety.
Tap water in Gaza is not potable and is often dangerously dirty. Some hotels may use filters but if in doubt, just buy bottles.
At present, Israel is blockading the area since 2007. However, food and medical supplies are generally allowed in after inspection.
talk
The standard language is Arabic. Hebrew is also understood to some extent, but English is a safer option.