population: 0.78 million

extension: 6.00 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Deir el-Balah and want to visit museums, one option is the Bait Falasteen Museum located in Gaza City, which features exhibitions on Palestinian history and culture. Another option is the Mahmoud Darwish Museum in Ramallah, which showcases the life and works of the celebrated Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat according to local people in Deir el-Balah and Palestinian cuisine in general include:

1. Falafel - deep-fried chickpea balls, often served in pita bread with tahini sauce and vegetables
2. Hummus - a dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread and vegetables
3. Shawarma - grilled meat (typically chicken or lamb) shaved off a rotating spit and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces
4. Maqluba - a one-pot dish of rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and vegetables, cooked and served upside down
5. Musakhan - roasted chicken on top of flatbread, topped with caramelized onions and pine nuts
6. Kanafeh - a sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup, often served for dessert.

Note that these dishes are not specific to Deir el-Balah but are commonly found throughout Palestinian cuisine.

Activities

Some popular activities that locals enjoy in Deir el-Balah and throughout Palestine include:

1. Visiting historical sites such as the ancient city of Gaza or the Herodium.
2. Sampling local cuisine, including dishes like falafel, hummus, and maqluba.
3. Exploring natural attractions such as Wadi Qelt and the Dead Sea.
4. Participating in outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and cycling.
5. Attending cultural events such as music festivals and traditional dance performances.

There are also numerous community centers and youth clubs throughout the area that offer a variety of recreational activities for people of all ages, including sports competitions, arts and crafts classes, and social gatherings.