Approximately one third of the Gaza Strip coastline is occupied by the Jewish settlement complex of Gush Katif, where about 6.500 settlers live surrounded by the Gaza Strip's 1.2 million Palestinians. The heavily fortified compounds have been among Israel's most controversial and embattled settlements for decades, and remain so today with Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon arguing for their wholesale removal.

This photo essay is a parallel look at the two Gaza realities of the settlers and the Palestinians, as seen through their respective beachfronts. Both sides of the fence show signs of the wear-and-tear from decades of conflict, and while the bitterness between the two keeps on growing, the cool waters of the mediterranean provides them both with a dose of relief.