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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?
(about 16 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
Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking at least 239 hostages.Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking at least 239 hostages.
Since then, Israel has been carrying out retaliatory strikes on Gaza, in which more than 8,000 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has also sent troops and tanks into the territory.Since then, Israel has been carrying out retaliatory strikes on Gaza, in which more than 8,000 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has also sent troops and tanks into the territory.
What is Israel's action in Gaza?What is Israel's action in Gaza?
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said ground forces had gone into Gaza to "dismantle" Hamas and bring hostages home.Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said ground forces had gone into Gaza to "dismantle" Hamas and bring hostages home.
On Monday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops had "killed dozens of terrorists who barricaded themselves in buildings and tunnels, and attempted to attack the troops".On Monday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops had "killed dozens of terrorists who barricaded themselves in buildings and tunnels, and attempted to attack the troops".
The IDF said it had continued to strike hundreds of Hamas targets from the air.The IDF said it had continued to strike hundreds of Hamas targets from the air.
It said that in one attack, an aircraft was guided by forces on the ground and struck a building "with over 20 Hamas terrorist operatives inside it".It said that in one attack, an aircraft was guided by forces on the ground and struck a building "with over 20 Hamas terrorist operatives inside it".
A fighter jet also struck a military post used to launch anti-tank missiles near Al-Azhar University in northern Gaza, the IDF added.A fighter jet also struck a military post used to launch anti-tank missiles near Al-Azhar University in northern Gaza, the IDF added.
Israeli armoured vehicles have been seen near Gaza City, on the main road running north to south in the Gaza Strip. Footage verified by the BBC appears to show a tank on the road firing at a car, followed by an explosion.Israeli armoured vehicles have been seen near Gaza City, on the main road running north to south in the Gaza Strip. Footage verified by the BBC appears to show a tank on the road firing at a car, followed by an explosion.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for Al-Quds hospital in northern Gaza, but that it was impossible to move hundreds of the patients who are being treated there.The Palestinian Red Crescent said the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for Al-Quds hospital in northern Gaza, but that it was impossible to move hundreds of the patients who are being treated there.
Eyewitnesses have described heavy shelling around the hospital, where 14,000 people are thought to be sheltering.Eyewitnesses have described heavy shelling around the hospital, where 14,000 people are thought to be sheltering.
The Israeli military has massed tens of thousands of soldiers along Gaza'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 Gaza'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 members in its military wing. It also has a network of underground tunnels across Gaza, connecting its command centres, which it has said stretch for 500km (310 miles).Hamas is thought to have about 25,000 members in its military wing. It also has a network of underground tunnels across Gaza, connecting its command centres, which it has said stretch for 500km (310 miles).
On Monday, Hamas released a video showing three people held hostage in Gaza. Although BBC News does not know about the conditions under which it was filmed, the three women appear to be in reasonable health with no obvious signs of injury.On Monday, Hamas released a video showing three people held hostage in Gaza. Although BBC News does not know about the conditions under which it was filmed, the three women appear to be in reasonable health with no obvious signs of injury.
More on Israel-Gaza warMore on Israel-Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
Watch: Video said to show Al-Quds hospital after nearby blast Watch: Israel's UN envoy pins yellow star to chest
Israel: Could ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims? Reporting on Gaza: 'Sometimes from behind the camera I just stand and cry'
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
What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, said thousands of Gaza residents had broken into its distribution centres and warehouses "taking wheat flour and other basic survival items like hygiene supplies".The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, said thousands of Gaza residents had broken into its distribution centres and warehouses "taking wheat flour and other basic survival items like hygiene supplies".
The UN also said many children now have only salty water to drink.The UN also said many children now have only salty water to drink.
The World Health Organization has said Gaza's hospitals are barely functioning due to shortages of electricity and supplies.The World Health Organization has said Gaza's hospitals are barely functioning due to shortages of electricity and supplies.
Over the weekend, dozens more lorries carrying aid supplies entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt.Over the weekend, dozens more lorries carrying aid supplies entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt.
However, Gaza normally receives 500 lorry-loads of supplies a day.However, Gaza normally receives 500 lorry-loads of supplies a day.
US President Joe Biden has told Israel that the flow of aid into Gaza needs to be considerably increased.US President Joe Biden has told Israel that the flow of aid into Gaza needs to be considerably increased.
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 has refused to allow deliveries of fuel because it says it could be used for military purposes by Hamas. It also said that Hamas is hoarding hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel that it is refusing to hand over to aid agencies.Israel has refused to allow deliveries of fuel because it says it could be used for military purposes by Hamas. It also said that Hamas is hoarding hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel that it is refusing to hand over to aid agencies.
The Israeli military has ordered people leaving in northern areas to evacuate for their own safety, and 1.4 million people have since moved south.The Israeli military has ordered people leaving in northern areas to evacuate for their own safety, and 1.4 million people have since moved south.
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. About 600,000 are being hosted by Unrwa.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. About 600,000 are being hosted by Unrwa.
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.
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.
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 returnedfour hostages, with the Gulf state of Qatar acting as a mediator for their release.Hamas has so far returnedfour hostages, with the Gulf state of Qatar acting as a mediator for their release.
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.
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.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Israel & the PalestiniansIsrael & the Palestinians
Israel-Gaza warIsrael-Gaza war
IsraelIsrael
GazaGaza
FatahFatah
Mahmoud AbbasMahmoud Abbas
HamasHamas