This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67039975

The article has changed 97 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 29 Version 30
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 5 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, 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.
At least 3,300 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and a ground offensive is expected.At least 3,300 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?
Urgent access to Gaza is needed to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. It said there was a risk of a long-term humanitarian crisis developing.Urgent access to Gaza is needed to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. It said there was a risk of a long-term humanitarian crisis developing.
Israel blocked supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity to the Gaza Strip after the Hamas attacks. It said it would not end the "siege" until Hamas released hostages.Israel blocked supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity to the Gaza Strip after the Hamas attacks. It said it would not end the "siege" until Hamas released hostages.
Access to running water is limited and the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said "concerns over dehydration and waterborne diseases are high". It warned that "people will start dying without water".Access to running water is limited and the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said "concerns over dehydration and waterborne diseases are high". It warned that "people will start dying without water".
The majority of hospitals in Gaza are not functioning and rubbish is piling up.The majority of hospitals in Gaza are not functioning and rubbish is piling up.
Hospitals and health facilities have also been damaged by blasts, with hundreds of people killed in an explosion at one packed hospital - Al-Ahli Arab - in Gaza City on Tuesday, Palestinian health officials said. Hospitals and health facilities have also been damaged by blasts, with hundreds of people killed in an explosion at one packed hospital - Al-Ahli Arab - in Gaza City on Tuesday.
Palestinian officials said the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike. But the Israeli military said it was the result of a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad - an accusation the militant group rejected. Both have denied blame. Palestinian officials said the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike. But the Israeli military said it was the result of a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PiJ) - an accusation the militant group rejected. Both sides have denied blame.
How BBC Verify is investigating the hospital explosion Speaking in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv alongside President Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden backed Israel's strong denial, saying the explosion "appears" to have been caused "by the other team".
Mr Biden visited the region on Wednesday - a move which was meant to calm swirling tensions - but Arab leaders cancelled planned meetings with him after the blast.
Several Arab countries have joined Hamas in blaming Israel for the explosion; the Gazan health ministry says 471 people were killed.
What video, pictures and other evidence tell us about Gaza hospital blast
What is Palestinian Islamic Jihad - and how is it different from Hamas?What is Palestinian Islamic Jihad - and how is it different from Hamas?
Around 600,000 people left northern Gaza after Israel ordered the population of 1.1 million to move south of a river valleyknown as Wadi Gaza, ahead of the expected ground invasion. Around 600,000 people left northern Gaza after Israel ordered the population of 1.1 million to move south of a river valley known as Wadi Gaza, ahead of the expected ground invasion.
Those fleeing south are among those to have been attacked. Women and young children were among those killed when a strike hit their convoy on one of the two evacuation routes.Those fleeing south are among those to have been attacked. Women and young children were among those killed when a strike hit their convoy on one of the two evacuation routes.
The population of Khan Younis in the south has increased from 400,000 to more than a million. People are sleeping in the streets, essential services are stretched and there are long queues for bread.The population of Khan Younis in the south has increased from 400,000 to more than a million. People are sleeping in the streets, essential services are stretched and there are long queues for bread.
Watch: Hundreds of displaced Gazans queue for breadWatch: Hundreds of displaced Gazans queue for bread
Watch: Hundreds of displaced Gazans queue for breadWatch: Hundreds of displaced Gazans queue for bread
More than 100 people were killed on Monday night following strikes in Khan Younis and near the Rafah border crossing according to local officials.More than 100 people were killed on Monday night following strikes in Khan Younis and near the Rafah border crossing according to local officials.
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, had told civilians to ignore the order to evacuate the north.Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, had told civilians to ignore the order to evacuate the north.
On Wednesday, Israel repeated a warning to people still in the north of the Gaza Strip to move south.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that, "if necessary", international aid will be sent to a "humanitarian zone" in Al-Mawasi, 28km (17 miles) down the coast of the Palestinian enclave. It did not give further details on how aid would be transported there.
'We are not leaving' - The families who won't evacuate Gaza City'We are not leaving' - The families who won't evacuate Gaza City
Gaza hospitals risk turning into morgues - Red Cross On Wednesday, Israel repeated a warning to people still in the north of the Gaza Strip to move south.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that, "if necessary", international aid will be sent to a "humanitarian zone" in Al-Mawasi, 28km (17 miles) down the coast of the Palestinian enclave.
It did not give further details on how aid would be transported there.
More on Israel-Gaza warMore on Israel-Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
Explained: What's going on in Gaza and Israel, and why now?
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflictHistory behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Hamas attack: Family seeks answers after live-stream horrorHamas attack: Family seeks answers after live-stream horror
From Gaza: BBC reporter flees Israel bomb warningFrom Gaza: BBC reporter flees Israel bomb warning
What is the Rafah border crossing and is it open?What is the Rafah border crossing and is it open?
Rafah is the southernmost exit point from Gaza, bordering Egypt's Sinai desert.Rafah is the southernmost exit point from Gaza, bordering Egypt's Sinai desert.
There are only two other border crossings: Erez, a border crossing with Israel in north Gaza, and Kerem Shalom, a commercial crossing between Israel and Gaza. Both are shut. It is the only possible entry and exit point to and from Gaza for both civilians and humanitarian aid, after Israel closed the crossings at Erez and Kerem Shalom.
This makes Rafah the only possible entry and exit point to and from Gaza for both civilians and humanitarian aid. Convoys of lorries carrying vital aid supplies are waiting at the border on the Egyptian side. However, it is not known when the border will open.
Aid officials told the BBC that hundreds of lorries carrying vital supplies are heading towards the border from the Egyptian side, but do not know when they might be able to cross into Gaza. Thousands of people have gathered on the Gaza side, hoping to leave before the expected Israeli ground offensive begins.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
Israel has hit the area around the Rafah crossing point at least three times since it began its air campaign on Gaza.
Watch: Explosion at Rafah crossing between Gaza and EgyptWatch: Explosion at Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt
Watch: Explosion at Rafah crossing between Gaza and EgyptWatch: Explosion at Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt
Although the border remains closed, thousands of people are gathering there, in the hope of leaving before the expected Israeli ground offensive begins. Israel has hit the area around the Rafah crossing point at least three times since it began its air campaign on Gaza.
US nationals in Gaza were told to move towards the crossing, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said "will be open" for aid, without giving timings. What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
The UK's foreign secretary James Cleverly said he was working with Israel, Egypt and "other leading political voices in the region" to reopen the border.
Why Egypt is reluctant to open crossing with GazaWhy Egypt is reluctant to open crossing with Gaza
Will Israel invade Gaza?Will Israel invade Gaza?
Israel's stated goal is to destroy Hamas.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.It also wants to rescue the hostages seized when Hamas attacked Israel. It now believes 199 people are being held in Gaza.
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.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.
The Israeli military has prepared for an offensive by dropping thousands of bombs on Gaza, targeting Hamas commanders and its control centres.The Israeli military has prepared for an offensive by dropping thousands of bombs on Gaza, targeting Hamas commanders and its control centres.
Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu (left) greets US President Joe BidenIsraeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu (left) greets US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning to meet Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet. He will discuss how Israel can conduct its operations in a way that "minimises civilian casualties", the US says. When US President Joe Biden's visit was announced, the US said he would discuss how Israel can conduct its operations in a way that "minimises civilian casualties".
However, a planned meeting with Arab leaders in Jordan has been cancelled, after the attack on the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza City. Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Israel will not be allowed to act in the Gaza Strip without consequences - and warned of "pre-emptive action".
Biden's visit to Israel is a high-stakes gamble
Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said Israel will not be allowed to act in the Gaza Strip without consequences - and warned of "pre-emptive action".
One of Israel's main targets is expected to be Hamas's vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, which contain Hamas command posts. It is thought some of the hostages are in the tunnels.One of Israel's main targets is expected to be Hamas's vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, which contain Hamas command posts. It is thought some of the hostages are in the tunnels.
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.
How would an Israeli ground assault on Gaza unfold?How would an Israeli ground assault on Gaza unfold?
Israel-Gaza: Will other countries get dragged in?Israel-Gaza: Will other countries get dragged in?
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.
Who are the leaders of Hamas?Who are the leaders of Hamas?
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 who lives there?What is the Gaza Strip and who lives there?
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.Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline, and strictly controls the movement of people and goods.
What life is like in the Gaza StripWhat life is like in the Gaza Strip
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 profile
The Israel-Palestinian conflict explainedThe Israel-Palestinian conflict explained
Why did Hamas launch its latest attack?Why did Hamas launch its latest attack?
Hamas's storming of Israeli communities on 7 October was the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation, the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen said.Hamas's storming of Israeli communities on 7 October was 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.Militants breached the wire that separates Gaza from Israel in multiple places.
Details emerged of a massacre in one Israeli community, Kibbutz Kfar Aza.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.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 mediaHow festival massacre unfolded - from verified video and social media
Homes in the kibbutz were completely destroyedHomes 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.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.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 unfoldedHow 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.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Israel & the PalestiniansIsrael & the Palestinians
Israel-Gaza warIsrael-Gaza war
IsraelIsrael
GazaGaza
FatahFatah
Mahmoud AbbasMahmoud Abbas
HamasHamas