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What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Israel and Gaza? A really simple guide What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Israel and Gaza? A really simple guide
(about 3 hours later)
Watch: A day of violence and fearWatch: A day of violence and fear
Watch: A day of violence and fearWatch: A day of violence and fear
The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, with its fighters entering communities near the Gaza Strip, killing more than 1,400 people, and taking scores of hostages. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking scores of hostages.
Nearly 2,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and a ground offensive is also expected. Nearly 2,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and a ground offensive is expected.
What is happening in the Gaza Strip?What is happening in the Gaza Strip?
Hundreds of thousands of people have fled northern Gaza, following an Israeli ultimatum. Israel told about 1.1 million people in northern Gaza - an area containing Gaza City and two refugee camps - to leave. It said they must move south of a river known as Wadi Gaza.
Israel told about 1.1 million people - in an area containing Gaza City and two refugee camps - to move south of a river known as Wadi Gaza. The UN said the evacuation was not possible and warned of "devastating humanitarian consequences".
The UN said the evacuation was not possible and warned of "devastating humanitarian consequences". The World Health Organization said Gaza's health authorities had warned it was impossible to move vulnerable hospital patients.
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, told civilians to ignore the evacuation order.Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, told civilians to ignore the evacuation order.
However, hundreds of thousands of people have fled.
Women and young children were among many killed when a strike hit their convoy on one of two evacuation routes.Women and young children were among many killed when a strike hit their convoy on one of two evacuation routes.
Many of those who fled to the south of Gaza have arrived in Khan Younis.Many of those who fled to the south of Gaza have arrived in Khan Younis.
The city's population has increased from 400,000 to more than a million, with many people sleeping on the streets. Hospitals and other essential services are severely stretched.The city's population has increased from 400,000 to more than a million, with many people sleeping on the streets. Hospitals and other essential services are severely stretched.
Separately, Israel's military has announced plans to evacuate 28 communities near the border with Lebanon, in northern Israel, amid rising tensions there.
More on Israel Gaza warMore on Israel Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
History behind the story: Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explainedHistory behind the story: Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
Gaza maps: What life is like in the Gaza StripGaza maps: What life is like in the Gaza Strip
Kibbutz massacre: Hamas attack captured by Israeli mothers' WhatsApp groupKibbutz massacre: Hamas attack captured by Israeli mothers' WhatsApp group
Early on Monday, Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports of a ceasefire to allow "foreigners out" of south Gaza and "humanitarian aid in", through the Rafah crossing into Egypt. What is the Rafah crossing and is it open?
US nationals in Gaza had previously been told to move closer to the crossing, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said "will be open" for aid, without giving timings. Rafah is the southernmost exit point from Gaza, bordering Egypt's Sinai desert.
Thousands of people are gathering there in the hope of leaving before the expected Israeli ground offensive begins. There are only two other border crossings from and into the Gaza strip: Erez, a border crossing with Israel in north Gaza, and Kerem Shalom, a solely commercial junction between Israel and Gaza. Both are shut.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
Separately, Israel's military has announced plans to evacuate 28 communities in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon amid rising tensions there. This makes Rafah the only possible entry and exit point to and from Gaza for both civilians and humanitarian aid.
But a number of Israeli air strikes have targeted the area since the 7 October Hamas attack.
Thousands of people including some with foreign passports are waiting at the Rafah crossing while it remains closed
Early on Monday, Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports of a ceasefire in to allow "foreigners out" of south Gaza and "humanitarian aid in", through the Rafah crossing.
US nationals in Gaza had previously been told to move towards the crossing, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said "will be open" for aid, without giving timings.
The UK's foreign secretary James Cleverly said he was also working with Israel, Egypt and "other leading political voices in the region" to reopen the border.
Although the border remains closed, thousands of people are gathering there in the hope of leaving before the expected Israeli ground offensive begins.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
How could Israel carry out a ground offensive?How could Israel carry out a ground offensive?
Israel's stated goal is to destroy Hamas. It also wants to rescue the hostages seized when Hamas attacked Israel. It now believes 199 people are being held in Gaza, up from an earlier estimate of 155.Israel's stated goal is to destroy Hamas. It also wants to rescue the hostages seized when Hamas attacked Israel. It now believes 199 people are being held in Gaza, up from an earlier estimate of 155.
Israel has massed tens of thousands of soldiers on its borders with Gaza, along with tanks and artillery.Israel has massed tens of thousands of soldiers on its borders with Gaza, along with tanks and artillery.
It has activated some 300,000 reservists alongside its standing force of 160,000.It has activated some 300,000 reservists alongside its standing force of 160,000.
The Israeli military has prepared for an offensive by dropping thousands of bombs on Gaza, targeting Hamas commanders and their control centres.The Israeli military has prepared for an offensive by dropping thousands of bombs on Gaza, targeting Hamas commanders and their control centres.
One of its main targets is Hamas's vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, which link together its underground command posts. It is thought some of the hostages are in the tunnel network.One of its main targets is Hamas's vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, which link together its underground command posts. It is thought some of the hostages are in the tunnel network.
"Think of the Gaza Strip as one layer for civilians and then another layer for Hamas. We are trying to get to that second layer that Hamas has built," an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said on Thursday."Think of the Gaza Strip as one layer for civilians and then another layer for Hamas. We are trying to get to that second layer that Hamas has built," an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said on Thursday.
Hamas has previously claimed the tunnels stretch for 500km (310 miles). Many have entrances hidden within houses, mosques, schools and other public buildings.Hamas has previously claimed the tunnels stretch for 500km (310 miles). Many have entrances hidden within houses, mosques, schools and other public buildings.
Israel's military is likely to avoid going into tunnels unless it has to, instead using explosives to destroy them.Israel's military is likely to avoid going into tunnels unless it has to, instead using explosives to destroy them.
It believes Hamas has laid booby traps and Improvised Explosive Devices at entry points and along narrow streets.It believes Hamas has laid booby traps and Improvised Explosive Devices at entry points and along narrow streets.
A major challenge for Israel will be close-quarters fighting in densely populated urban areas.A major challenge for Israel will be close-quarters fighting in densely populated urban areas.
Israel believes Hamas has about 30,000 troops, with weapons including automatic rifles, rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles.Israel believes Hamas has about 30,000 troops, with weapons including automatic rifles, rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles.
Frank Gardner: Hostage crisis is toughest Israel has ever facedFrank Gardner: Hostage crisis is toughest Israel has ever faced
How would an Israeli ground assault on Gaza unfold?How would an Israeli ground assault on Gaza unfold?
Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?
What is Hamas and what does it want?What is Hamas and what does it want?
Hamas is a Palestinian militant group which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007.Hamas is a Palestinian militant group which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007.
The group is sworn to Israel's destruction and wants to replace it with an Islamic state.The group is sworn to Israel's destruction and wants to replace it with an Islamic state.
Hamas has fought several wars with Israel since it took power.Hamas has fought several wars with Israel since it took power.
It has fired - or allowed other militant groups to fire - thousands of rockets at Israel, and carried out other deadly attacks.It has fired - or allowed other militant groups to fire - thousands of rockets at Israel, and carried out other deadly attacks.
In response, Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes, and sent troops into Gaza during two of the wars. Together with Egypt, it has blockaded the Gaza Strip since 2007 for what it describes as security reasons.In response, Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes, and sent troops into Gaza during two of the wars. Together with Egypt, it has blockaded the Gaza Strip since 2007 for what it describes as security reasons.
Hamas - or in some cases its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades - has been designated a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union and the UK, as well as other powers.Hamas - or in some cases its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades - has been designated a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union and the UK, as well as other powers.
Iran backs the group, providing it with funding, weapons and training.Iran backs the group, providing it with funding, weapons and training.
John Simpson: Why BBC doesn't say Hamas militants are 'terrorists'John Simpson: Why BBC doesn't say Hamas militants are 'terrorists'
What is the Gaza Strip and why is it important?What is the Gaza Strip and why is it important?
The Gaza Strip is a 41km (25-mile) long and 10km-wide territory located between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.The Gaza Strip is a 41km (25-mile) long and 10km-wide territory located between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.
Originally occupied by Egypt, Gaza was captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel withdrew its troops and around 7,000 settlers from the area in 2005.Originally occupied by Egypt, Gaza was captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel withdrew its troops and around 7,000 settlers from the area in 2005.
It is home to about 2.2 million people and has one of the highest population densities in the world.It is home to about 2.2 million people and has one of the highest population densities in the world.
Just over 75% of Gaza's population - some 1.7 million people - are registered refugees, according to the UN. More than 500,000 of them live in eight crowded camps located across the Strip.Just over 75% of Gaza's population - some 1.7 million people - are registered refugees, according to the UN. More than 500,000 of them live in eight crowded camps located across the Strip.
Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline, and strictly controls the movement of people and goods through its border crossings. Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline, and strictly controls the movement of people and goods.
Similarly, Egypt controls who passes in and out through its border with Gaza.
What life is like in the Gaza StripWhat life is like in the Gaza Strip
What is the 'siege' of Gaza?What is the 'siege' of Gaza?
After Hamas's attack, Israel announced a "siege" of Gaza - cutting its supplies of electricity, fuel, food, goods and water.After Hamas's attack, Israel announced a "siege" of Gaza - cutting its supplies of electricity, fuel, food, goods and water.
It says the siege will not end until Israeli hostages are released.It says the siege will not end until Israeli hostages are released.
There has been no mains electricity since Gaza's single power station ran out of fuel on Wednesday. Without electricity, the water and sewage systems are expected to shut down.There has been no mains electricity since Gaza's single power station ran out of fuel on Wednesday. Without electricity, the water and sewage systems are expected to shut down.
Households, hospitals and businesses in Gaza are relying on generators - if they have the fuel to run them.Households, hospitals and businesses in Gaza are relying on generators - if they have the fuel to run them.
On Sunday, the head of the largest UN agency in the Gaza Strip, the UN Relief and Works Agency, warned that "Gaza is being strangled".On Sunday, the head of the largest UN agency in the Gaza Strip, the UN Relief and Works Agency, warned that "Gaza is being strangled".
"Gaza is running out of water, and Gaza is running out of life. Soon, I believe, with this there will be no food or medicine either," said its commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini."Gaza is running out of water, and Gaza is running out of life. Soon, I believe, with this there will be no food or medicine either," said its commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini.
The UN says it is "deep in negotiations" to get the first aid into Gaza.
Nowhere safe in Gaza as Israeli strikes intensifyNowhere safe in Gaza as Israeli strikes intensify
Gaza hospitals risk turning into morgues - Red CrossGaza hospitals risk turning into morgues - Red Cross
Watch: Hiding at home, blinded and choked by dust - a video diary from GazaWatch: Hiding at home, blinded and choked by dust - a video diary from Gaza
Watch: Hiding at home, blinded and choked by dust - a video diary from GazaWatch: Hiding at home, blinded and choked by dust - a video diary from Gaza
What is Palestine?What is Palestine?
The West Bank and Gaza, which are known as the Palestinian territories, as well as East Jerusalem and Israel all formed part of a land known as Palestine from Roman times until the mid-20th Century.The West Bank and Gaza, which are known as the Palestinian territories, as well as East Jerusalem and Israel all formed part of a land known as Palestine from Roman times until the mid-20th Century.
These were also the lands of Jewish kingdoms in the Bible, and are seen by many Jews as their ancient homeland.These were also the lands of Jewish kingdoms in the Bible, and are seen by many Jews as their ancient homeland.
Israel was declared a state in 1948, though the land is still referred to as Palestine by those who do not recognise Israel's right to exist.Israel was declared a state in 1948, though the land is still referred to as Palestine by those who do not recognise Israel's right to exist.
Palestinians also use the name Palestine as an umbrella term for the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.Palestinians also use the name Palestine as an umbrella term for the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian president is Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen. He is based in the West Bank, which is under Israeli occupation.The Palestinian president is Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen. He is based in the West Bank, which is under Israeli occupation.
He has been the leader of the Palestinian Authority (PA) since 2005, and represents the Fatah political party, a bitter rival of Hamas.He has been the leader of the Palestinian Authority (PA) since 2005, and represents the Fatah political party, a bitter rival of Hamas.
Israel's borders explained in mapsIsrael's borders explained in maps
Palestinian territories profilePalestinian territories profile
The Israel-Palestinian conflict explainedThe Israel-Palestinian conflict explained
Why did Hamas launch its latest attack?Why did Hamas launch its latest attack?
Although the attack by the militants on 7 October was unexpected, it came at a time of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Hamas's storming of Israeli communities on 7 Octoberwas the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation, the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen said.
Militants breached the wire that separates Gaza from Israel in multiple places.
Details emerged of a massacre in one Israeli community, Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Survivors estimate that about 100 people were killed, and many others were taken as hostages. Israeli soldiers told Jeremy Bowen that some of the dead had been beheaded.
How festival massacre unfolded - from verified video and social media
Homes in the kibbutz were completely destroyed
Given the resources of Israel's security services,it was astounding that the attack by Hamas was not anticipated, the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner said.
It came at a time of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
This year has been the deadliest on record for Palestinians who live in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which could have motivated Hamas to strike Israel with a spectacular attack.This year has been the deadliest on record for Palestinians who live in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which could have motivated Hamas to strike Israel with a spectacular attack.
Hamas might also have been seeking to score a significant propaganda victory to boost its popularity among ordinary Palestinians.Hamas might also have been seeking to score a significant propaganda victory to boost its popularity among ordinary Palestinians.
How Hamas' shock attack unfolded
The capture of Israeli hostages is thought to be designed to pressure Israel to free some of the estimated 4,500 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.The capture of Israeli hostages is thought to be designed to pressure Israel to free some of the estimated 4,500 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
There is also speculation that the attack was orchestrated by Iran - Israel's arch-foe - though Iran's Supreme Leader has denied his country's involvement.There is also speculation that the attack was orchestrated by Iran - Israel's arch-foe - though Iran's Supreme Leader has denied his country's involvement.
Iran and Hamas also staunchly oppose the growing prospect of an historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.Iran and Hamas also staunchly oppose the growing prospect of an historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
This might be thwarted if Israel's military response to the Hamas attacks provokes widespread anger in the Arab world.This might be thwarted if Israel's military response to the Hamas attacks provokes widespread anger in the Arab world.
How Hamas' shock attack unfolded
How does this compare to previous Hamas attacks?
The BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen says this is the most ambitious operation Hamas has ever launched from Gaza, and the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation.
Militants breached the wire that separates Gaza from Israel in multiple places.
Details emerged of a massacre in one Israeli community, Kibbutz Kfar Aza - with an Israeli general speaking of babies killed. Israeli soldiers told Jeremy Bowen that some of the dead had been beheaded.
Homes in the kibbutz have been completely destroyed
Why wasn't the attack foreseen by Israeli intelligence?
Given the combined resources of the Shin Bet, Israeli domestic security services, its external spy agency Mossad, and all the assets of the Israel Defense Forces, the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner said it was astounding that the attack was not anticipated.
Israel has arguably the most extensive and well-funded intelligence services in the Middle East, with informants and agents inside Palestinian militant groups, as well as in Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere.
The border fence between Gaza and Israel has cameras, ground-motion sensors and regular army patrols.
The barbed-wire topped fence is supposed to have been a "smart barrier" to prevent exactly the sort of infiltration that has taken place in this attack.
But Hamas militants simply bulldozed their way through it, cut holes in the wire or entered Israel from the sea and by paraglider.
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