The Gaza Governorate (), also alternatively known as Gaza City Governorate, is one of the 16 Governorates of Palestine, located in the north central Gaza Strip. Gaza is claimed by the State of Palestine, but the land is under the control of the Hamas, while its border with Israel, airspace and maritime territory are controlled by the Israel Defense Forces. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the district's population was 505,700 in 2006. All of its seats were won by Hamas members in the 2006 parliamentary elections. It is governed by Mohammed Qadoura. The governorate consists of one city, three towns and a number of refugee camps. Localities Cities Gaza City (seat) Municipal towns Al-Zahra Village councils Juhor ad-Dik Madinat al-Awda Al-Mughraqa (Abu Middein) Refugee camps Al-Shati (camp) (Beach camp) References Sources Gaza Governorate Localities Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority in the Gaza Strip