Abstract
This study aims to explore the ability of Cellular Automata-Markov (CA-Markov) model in predicting the expansion of urban growth rate in Ambon, Indonesia, and Gaza Strip, Palestine. Using a literature study approach, this research collected and analyzed secondary data on land use change, population growth, and factors affecting urbanization in both regions. The results of the analysis show that the CA-Markov model has high accuracy in predicting land use change, and is able to describe the spatial dynamics of built-up land growth. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental aspects in land use planning to achieve sustainable development. The findings are expected to provide useful recommendations for policy makers in managing urban growth, as well as enrich the literature on the application of the CA-Markov model in different contexts.