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What is happening in Israel and Gaza, and what is Hamas? What is happening in Israel and Gaza, and what is Hamas?
(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 almost 230 hostages. Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking 230 hostages.
Since the attack Israel has been carrying out strikes in Gaza. The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry says the retaliatory strikes have killed more than 7,000 people. Since the attack Israel has been carrying out strikes in Gaza. The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry says more than 8,000 people have been killed.
On Friday, Israel said it was intensifying its campaign in Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel had entered the second stage of the war with Hamas, saying ground forces had gone into what he called "that stronghold of evil" - describing Gaza - to "dismantle" Hamas and bring hostages home.
"This will be a long and difficult war," Mr Netanyahu said.
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
What has the Israeli military announced?What has the Israeli military announced?
An Israeli military spokesman said on Friday night that it was "operating powerfully on all dimensions in order achieve the goals of the war". The air force was conducting extensive strikes on Hamas targets and ground forces were "expanding their operations", he added. On Friday night, Israel stepped its bombardment of Gaza, while tanks and troops expanded their operations inside the territory.
Hamas's military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said it was fighting Israeli troops in the north-eastern town of Beit Hanoun and the central Bureij area, and that it had fired barrages of rockets towards Israel. It declared that it was ready to confront the "aggression with full force". An Israeli military spokesman said its forces were "operating powerfully on all dimensions in order achieve the goals of the war".
Throughout the night, huge explosions lit up the sky above Gaza. At the same time, Palestinian mobile phone and internet networks went down, cutting off communications both inside the Strip and with the outside world. The blackout made it difficult for ambulances to reach the injured. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared on Saturday: "The directives to the forces are clear: the operation will continue until further notice."
On Saturday morning, the BBC's Rushdi Abu Alouf, who is in the southern city of Khan Younis, described a scene of "total chaos" on the ground. Hamas's military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said it was ready to confront the "aggression with full force".
He said the bombardment of northern areas was on a scale he had never seen before. There were fewer strikes in southern areas, he added, but there was panic among the hundreds of thousands of people sheltering there after being told by Israel to leave their homes in the north. Throughout Friday night, huge explosions lit up the sky above Gaza. At the same time, Palestinian mobile phone and internet networks went down, cutting off communications both inside the Strip and with the outside world. The blackout made it difficult for ambulances to reach the injured.
The BBC's Rushdi Abu Alouf, who is in the southern city of Khan Younis, described a scene of "total chaos" on the ground on Saturday, with panic among the hundreds of thousands of displaced people sheltering there after being told by Israel to leave their homes in the north.
He said the Israeli strikes had been the most intense in the north, west and east of the Strip. One radio station's reporter in the north said the bombardment there was "like an earthquake".
The Indonesian Hospital in the northern town of Bait Lahia was reportedly struck, while people in Gaza City said strikes targeted several roads near Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in the territory.
The Israeli military 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.The Israeli military 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. It also has a vast labyrinth of underground tunnels across Gaza, which it has previously claimed stretch 500km (310 miles).Hamas is thought to have about 25,000 people in its military wing. It also has a vast labyrinth of underground tunnels across Gaza, which it has previously claimed stretch 500km (310 miles).
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 the humanitarian situation in Gaza?What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
UN Secretary General António Guterres warned on Friday that the humanitarian system in Gaza was "facing a total collapse with unimaginable consequences for more than two million civilians". A desperate crisis in unfolding.
He appealed for a humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of life-saving supplies of aid at the scale needed. On Saturday, thousands of Gazans broke into distribution centres and warehouses of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (Unrwa) "taking wheat flour and other basic survival items like hygiene supplies".
"Without a fundamental change, the people of Gaza will face an unprecedented avalanche of human suffering," Mr Guterres said. "This is a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down after three weeks of war and a tight siege on Gaza," Unrwa said in a statement.
The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that a third of hospitals in Gaza were no longer functioning due to shortages of electricity, medicine and staff. Those still open were only admitting emergency cases, it added. "People are scared, frustrated and desperate," it said. "Tensions and fear are made worse by the cuts in the phones and internet communication lines."
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said only essential life-saving machines in hospitals, such as incubators for premature babies, were still working. The UN's Secretary General António Guterres has repeated a call for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of aid.
The UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, said on Thursday that it had significantly reduced its humanitarian operations because it had almost exhausted its fuel reserves. More than 600,000 of the 1.4 million people displaced by the fighting have taken refuge inside its facilities. "I was encouraged in the last days by what seemed to be a growing consensus in the international community... for the need of at least a humanitarian pause in the fighting," he said on Sunday.
But he added he was surprised by the intensity of Israel's escalation of bombardments - a move he said "undermined the referred humanitarian objectives".
Gaza's hospitals, which the World Health Organization said are barely functioning due to shortages of electricity and supplies, are being warned to evacuate, and some have already been hit in Israeli air strikes.
The Palestinian Red Crescent says it has received warnings from Israeli authorities to evacuate the al-Quds hospital in northern Gaza.
Rushdi Abu Alouf was told the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia had been struck. There have also been strikes on roads near the Shifa hospital in Gaza city, the largest in the territory.
Israel's military has said Hamas's main base of operations is beneath the hospital, a claim the group has rejected.
About 500 lorries per day were crossing into Gaza before the war began. But in recent days, an average of only 12 lorries carrying food, water and medical supplies have entered per day.About 500 lorries per day were crossing into Gaza before the war began. But in recent days, an average of only 12 lorries carrying food, water and medical supplies have entered per day.
The head of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) says "insane bureaucracy", with extremely stringent checks on lorry cargoes, is slowing the flow of aid through Rafah. Unrwa director Thomas White says aid coming into the region from Egypt is "insufficient".
To date, just over 80 lorries carrying humanitarian aid have been allowed into Gaza. On Saturday, 28 October, there was no convoy due to a blackout in communications.
There have also been no shipments of fuel, which is needed to generate electricity for hospitals, shelters, bakeries, water treatment and pumping stations, and the sewerage system.There have also been no shipments of fuel, which is needed to generate electricity for hospitals, shelters, bakeries, water treatment and pumping stations, and the sewerage system.
Israel refuses to allow deliveries of fuel because it says it could be used for military purposes by Hamas. It also says that Hamas is hoarding hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel that it is refusing to hand over to aid agencies.Israel refuses to allow deliveries of fuel because it says it could be used for military purposes by Hamas. It also says that Hamas is hoarding hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel that it is refusing to hand over to aid agencies.
The southern city of Khan Younis, normally home to 400,000 people, has seen its population increase to about 1.2 million since the Israeli military ordered people leaving in northern areas to evacuate for their own safety. 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 since the Israeli military ordered people leaving in northern areas to evacuate for their own safety. 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 Khan Younis and elsewhere in southern Gaza.However, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hamas military targets in Khan Younis and elsewhere in southern Gaza.
The UN's regional humanitarian chief has said: "Nowhere is safe in Gaza."The UN's regional humanitarian chief has said: "Nowhere is safe in Gaza."
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
Why is this happening now?Why is this happening now?
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.It was the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation.
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.
Mr Netanyahu said after the attack that Israel was at war, and vowed that Hamas would "pay an unprecedented price".Mr Netanyahu said after the attack that Israel was at war, and vowed that Hamas would "pay an unprecedented price".
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 says 229 people are still being held in Gaza.The Israeli military says 229 people are still being held in Gaza.
They include 20 children and at least 10 people aged over 60. Soldiers were also taken hostage.They include 20 children and at least 10 people aged over 60. Soldiers were also taken hostage.
Hamas has so far returned four hostages, with the Gulf state of Qatar acting as a mediator for their release.Hamas has so far returned four hostages, with the Gulf state of Qatar acting as a mediator for their release.
The Gulf state at centre of delicate hostage talksThe Gulf state at centre of delicate hostage talks
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
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflictHistory behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Bowen: What increased strikes on Gaza could meanBowen: What increased strikes on Gaza could mean
Hostages: Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?Hostages: Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?
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