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What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Israel and Gaza? What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Israel and Gaza?
(1 day 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
Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking more than 220 hostages.Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking more than 220 hostages.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 5,800 people have been killed in the territory since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, including 2,300 children, and a ground offensive is expected soon. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 7,000 people have been killed in the territory since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and a ground offensive is expected.
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
What is happening in the Gaza Strip?What is happening in the Gaza Strip?
Hospitals in Gaza are stopping all but emergency services as fuel runs out, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Hospitals in Gaza are admitting emergency cases only as fuel runs out, according to the World Health Organization.
The UN said on Tuesday that one third of hospitals and nearly two thirds of primary healthcare clinics in Gaza had already shut down due to damage from air strikes and a lack of fuel. The UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, say is has significantly reduced its operations because it has almost exhausted its fuel reserves.
Its aid agency on the ground, Unrwa, says food, water and fuel supplies remain critically low in Gaza, and that they will have to stop their work if they do not get fresh fuel supplies. Small quantities of fuel retrieved from existing reserves are being used to maintain the water supply in the south of Gaza. However, they will run out soon.
Fifty-eight aid trucks or more have now entered the territory through the Rafah crossing with Egypt since Israel imposed a "complete siege" at the start of the conflict. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman said Gaza still had fuel but "Hamas prefers to have all of the fuel for its warfighting capabilities, leaving civilians without it".
However, this provides only a fraction of the needs of people in Gaza. Aid agencies say at least 100 truckloads of aid are needed every day. More than 70 aid lorries have now entered the territory through the Rafah crossing with Egypt since Israel imposed a "complete siege" at the start of the conflict.
Fuel has not been included in the deliveries because Israel says it could be stolen and exploited by Hamas for military purposes. However, these have provided only a fraction of the needs of people in Gaza. Unrwa called it "a drop in the ocean of overwhelming needs". About 500 lorries were allowed into Gaza every day before the start of the war.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
An estimated 1.4 million people in Gaza have been displaced, according to the UN.An estimated 1.4 million people in Gaza have been displaced, according to the UN.
Hundreds of thousands moved from the north of the territory to the south, after being told by the Israeli military to leave for their own safety.Hundreds of thousands moved from the north of the territory to the south, after being told by the Israeli military to leave for their own safety.
The WHO has also warned that it is "almost impossible" for patients in hospitals in northern Gaza to be evacuated.The WHO has also warned that it is "almost impossible" for patients in hospitals in northern Gaza to be evacuated.
The southern city of Khan Younis, normally home to 400,000 people, has seen its population increase to about 1.2 million. Many families are sharing homes, or sleeping in tents.The southern city of Khan Younis, normally home to 400,000 people, has seen its population increase to about 1.2 million. Many families are sharing homes, or sleeping in tents.
However, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hamas military targets in southern Gaza.However, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hamas military targets in southern Gaza.
Some of those who initially fled the north of Gaza are now returning because the situation in the south is so bad, the UN has said.Some of those who initially fled the north of Gaza are now returning because the situation in the south is so bad, the UN has said.
The UN's regional humanitarian chief has said: "Nowhere is safe in Gaza."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested a temporary ceasefire to allow more aid to enter Gaza, and and EU leaders are also expected to call for one.
What video, pictures and other evidence tell us about Gaza hospital blastWhat 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?
Will Israel invade Gaza?Will Israel invade Gaza?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said: "We are working together as an iron fist for one objective - to eliminate Hamas." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday: "We have set two goals for this war: to eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governing abilities, and to do everything possible to bring our captives home."
Israel also wants to bring back the hostages that Hamas seized. Four have so far been released. "All Hamas terrorists are dead men walking - above ground, below ground, outside Gaza."
US media are reporting that the Biden administration is asking Israel to delay the expected ground invasion of Gaza in order to buy time for more hostage negotiations. Mr Netanyahu said Israel would launch a ground incursion, but did not detail when it would start.
The Israeli military has been preparing for a ground operation by bombing hundreds of targets in the territory. On Thursday morning, the IDF said it had carried out a "targeted raid" on defensive positions in northern Gaza with tanks and armoured bulldozers. It said this was "part of preparations for the next stages of combat".
It has massed tens of thousands of soldiers along the Gaza perimeter fence, along with tanks and artillery. It has activated some 300,000 reservists, alongside its standing force of 160,000. Israeli forces have carried at least two other raids into Gaza since the conflict started. In one, on 22 October, one soldier was killed and three were injured.
The IDF has massed tens of thousands of soldiers along the territory's perimeter fence, along with tanks and artillery. It has activated some 300,000 reservists, alongside its standing force of 160,000.
Hamas is thought to have about 25,000 people in its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades.Hamas is thought to have about 25,000 people in its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
Israel demands UN chief resign over Hamas comments
What video, pictures and other evidence tell us about Gaza hospital blastWhat video, pictures and other evidence tell us about Gaza hospital blast
One of Israel's main targets is Hamas's vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, which contain bunkers for leaders and operational headquarters.One of Israel's main targets is Hamas's vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, which contain bunkers for leaders and operational headquarters.
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 troops are likely to avoid going into tunnels unless they have to, instead using explosives to destroy them.Israel's troops are likely to avoid going into tunnels unless they have to, instead using explosives to destroy them.
A major challenge for the Israeli troops will be close-quarters fighting in densely populated urban areas. It is thought that Hamas will lay booby traps and improvised explosive devices at entry points such as doorways, and along narrow streets.A major challenge for the Israeli troops will be close-quarters fighting in densely populated urban areas. It is thought that Hamas will lay booby traps and improvised explosive devices at entry points such as doorways, and along narrow streets.
On Monday, the Israeli military said one Israeli soldier was killed and several others wounded during a raid into Gaza, to try and find hostages and to clear the way for a ground attack.
The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said on Tuesday that the Hamas attacks on 7 October had not happened "in a vacuum", adding that Palestinians "had been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation".
His comments drew an angry response from Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who asked Mr Guterres "in what world do you live?" and later cancelled a meeting with him. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, called on the UN secretary general to resign.
The leaders of the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy have supported Israel's right to defend itself but have called for "adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians".
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that "humanitarian pauses must be considered" to protect civilians in Gaza.
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 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.Hamas is a Palestinian 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.
Hamas has fought several wars with Israel since it took power. It has fired - or allowed other groups to fire - thousands of rockets into Israel, and has carried out other deadly attacks.Hamas has fought several wars with Israel since it took power. It has fired - or allowed other groups to fire - thousands of rockets into Israel, and has carried out other deadly attacks.
In response, Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes. In 2008 and 2014, it also sent troops into Gaza.In response, Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes. In 2008 and 2014, it also sent troops into Gaza.
Together with Egypt, Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip since 2007 for what it describes as security reasons.Together with Egypt, Israel 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?
Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explainedIsrael Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
What was the Hamas attack on Israel?What was the Hamas attack on Israel?
Hamas killed families in their homes in the kibbutz of Kfar AzaHamas killed families in their homes in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza
On 7 October, hundreds of Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel by breaking through the heavily-fortified perimeter fence, landing by sea, and using paragliders.On 7 October, hundreds of Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel by breaking through the heavily-fortified perimeter fence, landing by sea, and using paragliders.
It was the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation, according to the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen.It was the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation, according to the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen.
The gunmen killed 1,400 people, most of them civilians, in a series of raids on military posts, kibbutzim and a music festival, and took hostages back into Gaza.The gunmen killed 1,400 people, most of them civilians, in a series of raids on military posts, kibbutzim and a music festival, and took hostages back into Gaza.
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 says.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 says.
How festival massacre unfolded - from verified video and social mediaHow festival massacre unfolded - from verified video and social media
How Hamas staged lightning assault no-one thought possibleHow Hamas staged lightning assault no-one thought possible
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.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.
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.
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.
The Israeli military currently believes more than 200 people are being held in Gaza. They include 20 children and at least 10 people aged over 60. Soldiers were also taken hostage. The Israeli military believes 224 people are still being held in Gaza.
They include 20 children and at least 10 people aged over 60. Soldiers were also taken hostage.
Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?
More on Israel-Gaza warMore on Israel-Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
Explained: What is happening in Israel and Gaza, and why now?Explained: What is happening in Israel and Gaza, and why now?
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflictHistory behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Gaza: Dead and wounded strain Gaza hospitals as air strikes intensifyGaza: Dead and wounded strain Gaza hospitals as air strikes intensify
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 Six Day war.Originally occupied by Egypt, Gaza was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six Day war.
Israel withdrew its troops and around 7,000 settlers from the territory in 2005.Israel withdrew its troops and around 7,000 settlers from the territory in 2005.
It is home to 2.23 million people and has one of the highest population densities in the world.It is home to 2.23 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 or descendants of 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 or descendants of 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 has strictly controlled the movement of people and goods.Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline, and has strictly controlled the movement of people and goods.
Gaza Strip in maps: What it's like for the people who live thereGaza Strip in maps: What it's like for the people who live there
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
The Israel-Palestinian conflict explainedThe Israel-Palestinian conflict explained
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Israel & the PalestiniansIsrael & the Palestinians
Israel-Gaza warIsrael-Gaza war
IsraelIsrael
GazaGaza
FatahFatah
Mahmoud AbbasMahmoud Abbas
HamasHamas