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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 8 hours later)
Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
Israel has responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. More than 10,800 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.Israel has responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. More than 10,800 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
What is the goal of Israel's mission in Gaza?What is the goal of Israel's mission in Gaza?
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes are bombarding Gaza from the air while its troops and tanks are advancing on the ground. Israel has drafted 300,000 reservists to boost its standing force of 160,000.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes are bombarding Gaza from the air while its troops and tanks are advancing on the ground. Israel has drafted 300,000 reservists to boost its standing force of 160,000.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.
Israel believes Hamas has about 30,000 members in its military wing. The group operates from underground tunnels, which it has previously said stretch for 500km (310 miles).Israel believes Hamas has about 30,000 members in its military wing. The group operates from underground tunnels, which it has previously said stretch for 500km (310 miles).
Mr Netanyahu has refused calls for a ceasefire unless the hostages are released.Mr Netanyahu has refused calls for a ceasefire unless the hostages are released.
Israel has also said it wants Gaza to remain demilitarised after the current conflict, but that it does not plan to reoccupy or govern the territory.Israel has also said it wants Gaza to remain demilitarised after the current conflict, but that it does not plan to reoccupy or govern the territory.
Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?
What military operations are taking place in Gaza?What military operations are taking place in Gaza?
Much of the IDF's focus so far has been on northern Gaza, particularly densely-populated Gaza City. Israel's defence minister said its forces were "in the heart" of the city.Much of the IDF's focus so far has been on northern Gaza, particularly densely-populated Gaza City. Israel's defence minister said its forces were "in the heart" of the city.
The IDF first warned the 1.1 million people living in the north to leave their homes and head south on 13 October. It has repeated those calls several times, but has also continued to carry out air strikes in the south.The IDF first warned the 1.1 million people living in the north to leave their homes and head south on 13 October. It has repeated those calls several times, but has also continued to carry out air strikes in the south.
Thousands of people have been moving south after Israel opened evacuation routes from northern Gaza. Local authorities said at the start of this week that 600,000 people were still living in Gaza City.Thousands of people have been moving south after Israel opened evacuation routes from northern Gaza. Local authorities said at the start of this week that 600,000 people were still living in Gaza City.
Watch: Civilians leave northern Gaza on footWatch: Civilians leave northern Gaza on foot
Watch: Civilians leave northern Gaza on footWatch: Civilians leave northern Gaza on foot
The situation in Gaza is changing rapidly:The situation in Gaza is changing rapidly:
The US says that Israel will begin to implement daily four-hour pauses in military operations in northern Gaza, to allow civilians to flee. However, no specific times have yet been givenThe US says that Israel will begin to implement daily four-hour pauses in military operations in northern Gaza, to allow civilians to flee. However, no specific times have yet been given
Israel's military is fighting Hamas in the centre of Gaza City, close to two major hospitals - Al Shifa and Al Quds and are reported to have surrounded Al ShifaIsrael's military is fighting Hamas in the centre of Gaza City, close to two major hospitals - Al Shifa and Al Quds and are reported to have surrounded Al Shifa
On Thursday the IDF said it had raided a Hamas military base in Gaza City and had killed or captured about 50 Hamas fightersOn Thursday the IDF said it had raided a Hamas military base in Gaza City and had killed or captured about 50 Hamas fighters
The UN's human rights commissioner Volker Türk has accused both Israel and Hamas of carrying out "war crimes"The UN's human rights commissioner Volker Türk has accused both Israel and Hamas of carrying out "war crimes"
What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The heads of all the major UN agencies have called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", as well as the unconditional release of hostages.The heads of all the major UN agencies have called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", as well as the unconditional release of hostages.
They said that "cutting off 2.2 million Palestinians from food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel" was an "outrage", and that more than 23,000 injured people "require immediate treatment".They said that "cutting off 2.2 million Palestinians from food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel" was an "outrage", and that more than 23,000 injured people "require immediate treatment".
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that many of Gaza's 35 hospitals were not working, and that some patients were undergoing operations - including amputations - without anaesthesia.The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that many of Gaza's 35 hospitals were not working, and that some patients were undergoing operations - including amputations - without anaesthesia.
Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.5 million Gaza residents have been displaced, and that 725,000 people were sheltering at its facilities. Another 250,000 are taking refuge in hospitals, churches, non-UN schools and other public buildings.Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.5 million Gaza residents have been displaced, and that 725,000 people were sheltering at its facilities. Another 250,000 are taking refuge in hospitals, churches, non-UN schools and other public buildings.
Gaza Strip in maps: Life in Gaza under siegeGaza Strip in maps: Life in Gaza under siege
Phone and internet services have been repeatedly cut, leaving people unable to call for ambulances or other emergency services, or to contact the outside world.Phone and internet services have been repeatedly cut, leaving people unable to call for ambulances or other emergency services, or to contact the outside world.
The Rafah crossing into Egypt in the south is the only functioning border for people and goods to leave or enter Gaza.The Rafah crossing into Egypt in the south is the only functioning border for people and goods to leave or enter Gaza.
Hundreds of injured people and foreign passport holders, including more than 100 UK citizens, have left through the crossing since it reopened on 1 November.Hundreds of injured people and foreign passport holders, including more than 100 UK citizens, have left through the crossing since it reopened on 1 November.
However, many more remain stuck in Gaza. The crossing closed again on Wednesday, and remained shut on Thursday. Hamas wants more injured Palestinians to be let out alongside foreign nationals.However, many more remain stuck in Gaza. The crossing closed again on Wednesday, and remained shut on Thursday. Hamas wants more injured Palestinians to be let out alongside foreign nationals.
Some 1.2 million people living in the territory already relied on food aid before the latest hostilities, according to the UN.Some 1.2 million people living in the territory already relied on food aid before the latest hostilities, according to the UN.
More than 500 lorries carrying aid supplies have entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing since 21 October, but before the conflict Gaza typically received 500 lorry-loads a day.More than 500 lorries carrying aid supplies have entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing since 21 October, but before the conflict Gaza typically received 500 lorry-loads a day.
Fuel shortages mean the aid getting through cannot be transported to Gaza City and the north.Fuel shortages mean the aid getting through cannot be transported to Gaza City and the north.
Gaza's Indonesian Hospital warns it could cease operating by Friday because of a lack of fuel.Gaza's Indonesian Hospital warns it could cease operating by Friday because of a lack of fuel.
The World Health Organisation says about 15 out of Gaza's 35 hospitals have already closed.The World Health Organisation says about 15 out of Gaza's 35 hospitals have already closed.
More on Israel-Gaza warMore on Israel-Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
From Gaza: How much closer is Israel to its goal in Gaza?From Gaza: How much closer is Israel to its goal in Gaza?
From Israel: Israel's pain still raw a month after Hamas attacksFrom Israel: Israel's pain still raw a month after Hamas attacks
Watch: The devastating effects of war on Gaza's childrenWatch: The devastating effects of war on Gaza's children
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflictHistory behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Who are the hostages?Who are the hostages?
The Israeli military says Hamas is holding 242 hostages in Gaza.The Israeli military says Hamas is holding 242 hostages in Gaza.
The WHO says it is "gravely concerned" about their condition - especially those who are children, elderly or in poor health - and has called for their immediate release.The WHO says it is "gravely concerned" about their condition - especially those who are children, elderly or in poor health - and has called for their immediate release.
It is thought Hamas may have taken the hostages to pressurise Israel into freeing some or all of the estimated 5,100 Palestinians who were held in Israeli prisons at the start of October.It is thought Hamas may have taken the hostages to pressurise Israel into freeing some or all of the estimated 5,100 Palestinians who were held in Israeli prisons at the start of October.
Hamas says it has hidden the hostages across Gaza, with some in its tunnel network.Hamas says it has hidden the hostages across Gaza, with some in its tunnel network.
It says at least 50 hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes, and that seven more were killed in the attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp. These figures cannot be verified.It says at least 50 hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes, and that seven more were killed in the attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp. These figures cannot be verified.
On 20 October, two American-Israeli hostages - mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan - were freed. Four days later, two elderly Israeli women, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz, were released.On 20 October, two American-Israeli hostages - mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan - were freed. Four days later, two elderly Israeli women, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz, were released.
Separately, Israel's military said its soldier Pte Ori Megidish was rescued during ground operations in Gaza.Separately, Israel's military said its soldier Pte Ori Megidish was rescued during ground operations in Gaza.
On Thursday, the militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of two Israeli hostages in Gaza - a woman in her 70s called Hanna Katsir, and a teenage boy. It is the first time hostages have been seen for 10 days.On Thursday, the militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of two Israeli hostages in Gaza - a woman in her 70s called Hanna Katsir, and a teenage boy. It is the first time hostages have been seen for 10 days.
Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?
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 there a war in Gaza now?Why is there a war in Gaza now?
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 about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, in a series of raids on military posts, kibbutzim and a music festival, and took hostages back into Gaza. Previous estimates put the death toll at more than 1,400.
Many of those killed by Hamas were residents of kibbutzim near GazaMany of those killed by Hamas were residents of kibbutzim near 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 significant 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 significant 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.
The attack came at a time of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions.The attack 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.
What is the Gaza Strip and how big is it?What is the Gaza Strip and how big is it?
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.
The enclave is home to 2.23 million people and has one of the highest population densities in the world.The enclave 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, although 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, although 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