Stamps for use in the Gaza Strip
Denominations: Millièmes (m), Piastres (p), Egyptian Pound (£E)
10m = 1p, 100p = £E1.
On May 15, 1948, the first Arab-Israeli war broke out. The Egyptian Government, anticipating its capture of parts of Palestine, had overprinted a full range of the current Egyptian adhesives for use in the occupied territories.
At the end of the war Egypt retained only the Gaza Strip, which it held until June 1967. During this period Egyptian stamps either overprinted “Palestine” or with a colour change and the word “Palestine” incorporated in the design were the only legal usable stamps.
Sample overprint types
Various types of the overprints are recognised. For an excellent explanation of these see page 722 of the "Nile Post".
Farouk Issues
At the time of the original overprints Egypt was still a monarchy and several of the Farouk issues were used, including some of the air stamps, express and postage dues. After the revolution the barred stamps were also overprinted.
Republican Issues (1955)
In 1955 republican issues were similarly overprinted.
Palestine Inscribed Issues (1960)
From 1960 the stamps issued for the Gaza Strip were printed specially using the current Egyptian stamps but in different colours and with the word "Palestine" inscribed in the design, both in English and Arabic.
Example Cover
Cover from Majdal, one of the Palestinian towns held by Egyptian troops for only a short while in 1948. Such covers are rare, while those of the Gaza Strip for Gaza and Khan Yunis (1948 to 1967) can be found fairly readily.
Overprint Errors
Shown above is the 100 millièmes Nefertiti surcharged stamp. Left: double overprint; Centre: surcharge misplaced upward; Right: surcharge doubled.
Overprint Forgeries
The overprints have been extensively forged particularly inverted, doubled and in the wrong colour. Collectors should beware of offers of any stamps “not in catalogue”.
Other Stamps with Overprints
Stamps other than definitives were similarly treated, with postage dues, commemoratives etc. first being issued with overprints and then some reissued with "Palestine" incorporated in the design.
Similarities to Egyptian Stamps
Left: Egyptian issue (March 1965). Right: Gaza version with "Palestine" inscription and colour change on the 20m value.
The Final Gaza Issue 1967
The last stamp to be issued for Gaza - June 1, 1967, Labour Day - just before the Six Day War when Israel captured the Gaza Strip and the Sinai.
