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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 20 hours later)
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.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 responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. More than 11,500 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. More than 11,500 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
What is the goal of Israel's military operation in Gaza?What is the goal of Israel's military operation in Gaza?
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes are bombarding Gaza from the air while its troops are moving through the north of the territory.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes are bombarding Gaza from the air while its troops are moving through the north of the territory.
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.
On Monday, the IDF said that its aircraft and ground forces had conducted 4,300 strikes, hitting hundreds of anti-tank missile launch posts, 300 tunnel shafts and 3,000 "terrorist infrastructure sites" since 7 October.
It said 50 of its soldiers had been killed during the ground operation.
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.
He also said that Israel would have "overall security responsibility" for the Gaza Strip "for an indefinite period" after the war ended. However, the US warned him that Israel could not reoccupy the territory.He also said that Israel would have "overall security responsibility" for the Gaza Strip "for an indefinite period" after the war ended. However, the US warned him that Israel could not reoccupy the territory.
Israel has drafted 300,000 reservists to boost its standing force of 160,000. It believes Hamas's military wing has about 30,000 members. The group operates from underground tunnels, which it has previously claimed stretch for 500km (310 miles).Israel has drafted 300,000 reservists to boost its standing force of 160,000. It believes Hamas's military wing has about 30,000 members. The group operates from underground tunnels, which it has previously claimed stretch for 500km (310 miles).
Mr Netanyahu has said that Israel had been "not successful" minimising civilian casualties in Gaza, but blamed Hamas for using them as human shields.
Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?
What is happening at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza? What is happening at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza?
Israeli soldiers remain inside the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical facility in northern Gaza. Both Israeli and US intelligence say the hospital was a key command centre for Hamas, which it denies. Israeli soldiers raided Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical facility in northern Gaza. Both Israeli and US intelligence say it was a key command centre for Hamas - which it denies.
On Wednesday night, the IDF said it was continuing its "precise and targeted operation", and that it had killed "a number of terrorists" within the complex. Israel released images of what it said were tunnels used by Hamas at Al-Shifa, and at Rantisi - a children's hospital nearby.
Israel said it had found a Hamas "operational centre" in the hospital, sharing images of what it said were Hamas weapons and equipment. It also shared images of what it said were Hamas weapons and ammunition found at Al-Shifa.
Some of this material was shown to BBC correspondent Lucy Williamson, who was taken by the Israeli army into a small part of the hospital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday there were "strong indications" that hostages had been held at the hospital.
She was not allowed to speak to any doctors or patients, but her description of the visit was not censored. Doctors at Al-Shifa Hospital sent photos of newborn babies whose lives they said were at risk
BBC goes inside Al-Shifa hospital with the Israeli armyBBC goes inside Al-Shifa hospital with the Israeli army
What we know about Israel's raid on Al-Shifa hospitalWhat we know about Israel's raid on Al-Shifa hospital
Bowen: Hospital raid comes as tone shifts on IsraelBowen: Hospital raid comes as tone shifts on Israel
On Thursday, Palestinian Islamic Jihad - which is the second biggest armed group in Gaza - said it was fighting Israeli forces near the site. The Israeli military has not commented on the claim, which the BBC cannot verify. The UN said that more than 4,000 patients, staff and displaced people had been inside Al-Shifa at the time of the raid.
The UN had said that more than 4,000 patients, staff and displaced people are inside the facility. This includes dozens of premature babies, who were removed from incubators because of power cuts, and kidney patients needing dialysis. This includes dozens of premature babies, who were removed from incubators because of power cuts, and kidney patients needing dialysis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was "extremely worried" for their safety. The UN's humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, said he was "appalled" by the raids, and that "hospitals are not battlegrounds".
Israel says it has delivered incubators, baby food and medical supplies to the hospital.
Doctors at Al-Shifa Hospital sent photos of newborn babies whose lives they said were at risk
Hamas called the operation targeting Al-Shifa a "war crime" and a "crime against humanity".
The UN's humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, said he was "appalled", and that "hospitals are not battlegrounds".
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said that hospitals and patients in Gaza must be protected.
Gaza hospitals caught on front line of warGaza hospitals caught on front line of war
What else is happening on the ground in Gaza?What else is happening on the ground in Gaza?
Israel says its jets attacked the Gaza house of Ismail Haniyeh, widely considered to be the overall Hamas leader. On Friday, Israel said that it had carried out strikes on two "underground sites" in Gaza, in which "senior" Hamas figures had been hiding.
Haniyeh lives in Qatar, but Israel says the house was being used as a Hamas meeting place. Israeli forces have repeatedly warned Palestinians in the north of the territory to head south of the Wadi Gaza river valley to escape the fighting, but have also continued to carry out air strikes in southern Gaza.
Elsewhere, Palestinian media say around 50 people were killed by an air strike in the central Gaza Strip.
The IDF has repeatedly warned Palestinians in the north of the territory to leave their homes for their own safety and head south of the Wadi Gaza river, but has also continued to carry out air strikes in the south.
Israeli forces have also dropped leaflets in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, warning people in four towns to evacuate their homes.
Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza weeks before Israel's ground offensive began.
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 UN has said an estimated 200,000 have fled the north since 5 November. But it is increasingly concerned by overcrowding and limited access to shelter, food and water in the south. The UN has said an estimated 200,000 people have fled the north since 5 November. It has said it is concerned by overcrowding and limited access to shelter, food and water in the south.
It has also warned that hundreds of thousands of people - who are either unwilling or unable to leave - remain in the north and are struggling to secure the minimum amount of water and food to survive.It has also warned that hundreds of thousands of people - who are either unwilling or unable to leave - remain in the north and are struggling to secure the minimum amount of water and food to survive.
Gaza Strip in maps: Life in Gaza under siegeGaza Strip in maps: Life in Gaza under siege
How the dead are counted in GazaHow the dead are counted in Gaza
What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The UN's high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk says that one in every 57 people living in the Gaza Strip "has been killed or wounded in the past five weeks", based on Hamas-run health ministry figures. He spoke of the pain and "anguish" of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians as the fighting in Gaza continues. The UN's high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, says that one in every 57 people living in the Gaza Strip "has been killed or wounded in the past five weeks", based on Hamas-run health ministry figures. He spoke of the pain and "anguish" of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians as the conflict in Gaza continues.
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 "cutting off 2.2 million Palestinians from food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel" was an "outrage", and that more than 29,000 injured people "require immediate treatment".They said "cutting off 2.2 million Palestinians from food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel" was an "outrage", and that more than 29,000 injured people "require immediate treatment".
Only one hospital in northern Gaza - Al-Ahli - is still in operation, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.5 million Gaza residents have been displaced and 778,000 are sheltering at its facilities. Another 150,000 are believed to be taking refuge in hospitals and other public buildings.Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.5 million Gaza residents have been displaced and 778,000 are sheltering at its facilities. Another 150,000 are believed to be taking refuge in hospitals and other public buildings.
Israel has restricted fuel supplies, so they cannot be used by Hamas.
Unrwa said it was no longer able to deliver aid within Gaza because of a lack of fuel.
Phone and internet services have been repeatedly cut, leaving people unable to call for ambulances or to contact the outside world.Phone and internet services have been repeatedly cut, leaving people unable to call for ambulances or to contact the outside world.
The Rafah border crossing into Egypt, to the south, is the only functioning route for people and goods to leave or enter Gaza.The Rafah border crossing into Egypt, to the south, is the only functioning route for people and goods to leave or enter Gaza.
The crossing reopened for aid supplies on 21 October, but only a small number of the 500 lorryloads which used to arrive every day are currently getting into Gaza.The crossing reopened for aid supplies on 21 October, but only a small number of the 500 lorryloads which used to arrive every day are currently getting into Gaza.
Israel has restricted fuel supplies so they cannot be used by Hamas, but on Wednesday, border officials said 25,000 litres of fuel had been allowed through for the UN's use.
The UN said this was only a fraction of what was needed.
The border opened again for people to leave Gaza on 1 November. Hundreds of injured people and foreign passport holders - including more than 100 UK citizens - have since crossed into Egypt, but many more remain.The border opened again for people to leave Gaza on 1 November. Hundreds of injured people and foreign passport holders - including more than 100 UK citizens - have since crossed into Egypt, but many more remain.
The crossing has shut, for short periods, several times since reopening.The crossing has shut, for short periods, several times since reopening.
More on Israel-Gaza warMore on Israel-Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
From Gaza: Giving birth with no painkillers under the bombs in Gaza From Gaza: Lack of fuel causes blackout across Gaza
From Israel: Hostages' fates haunt Israel as Gaza war intensifies
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflictHistory behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Who are the hostages?Who are the hostages?
The IDF says Hamas is holding 242 hostages in Gaza. Hamas says they are hidden across Gaza, some in its tunnel network. Hamas is holding about 240 hostages in Gaza. It says they are hidden across Gaza - some of them in its tunnel network.
The WHO is "gravely concerned" about their condition, and has called for their immediate release. On Thursday, the Israel military said it had found the bodies of 19-year-old Noa Marciano, a corporal in the IDF, and 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, at sites near Al-Shifa hospital.
It is thought Hamas may have taken the hostages to pressure Israel into freeing some of the estimated 5,100 Palestinians who were held in Israeli prisons at the start of October. Last week, Palestinian Islamic Jihad - a militant group separate from Hamas - released a video of two Israeli hostages in Gaza - a woman in her 70s called Hanna Katsir, and a teenage boy.
Hamas says that some of the hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes. This claim cannot be verified, but the IDF has confirmed the death in captivity of its 19-year-old soldier Corporal Noa Marciano.
Last week, Palestinian Islamic Jihad - which is separate to Hamas - released a video of two Israeli hostages in Gaza - a woman in her 70s called Hanna Katsir, and a teenage boy.
It said it would let them go them for humanitarian and medical reasons if "appropriate measures" were met.It said it would let them go them for humanitarian and medical reasons if "appropriate measures" were met.
Hamas has released four hostages so far: American-Israeli mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan, and two elderly Israeli women, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz.Hamas has released four hostages so far: American-Israeli mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan, and two elderly Israeli women, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz.
Separately, the IDF said one of its soldiers, Private Ori Megidish, was rescued during ground operations in Gaza.Separately, the IDF said one of its soldiers, Private Ori Megidish, was rescued during ground operations in Gaza.
Speaking in California late on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said he was "mildly hopeful" there will be a deal to free the hostages, referring to "great co-operation" from Qatar, which has been leading the ongoing negotiations around their release. It is thought Hamas may have taken hostages to pressure Israel into freeing some of the estimated 5,100 Palestinians who were held in Israeli prisons at the start of October.
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.
It has fought several wars with Israel since it took power, firing thousands of rockets into Israel, and carrying out other deadly attacks.It has fought several wars with Israel since it took power, firing thousands of rockets into Israel, and carrying 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 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.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.
Israel says Hamas captured over 240 hostages on 7 OctoberIsrael says Hamas captured over 240 hostages on 7 October
Given the significant resources of Israel's security services, it was astounding that the attack by Hamas was not anticipated, according to the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner.Given the significant resources of Israel's security services, it was astounding that the attack by Hamas was not anticipated, according to the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner.
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.
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 territory is home to 2.23 million people and has one of the highest population densities in the world.The territory 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.Just over 75% of Gaza's population - some 1.7 million people - are registered refugees or descendants of refugees, according to the UN.
Before the latest conflict, more than 500,000 people lived in eight crowded camps located across the Strip.Before the latest conflict, more than 500,000 people lived in eight crowded camps located across the Strip.
Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline, and strictly limits the movement of people and goods.Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline, and strictly limits the movement of people and goods.
What is Palestine?What is Palestine?
The West Bank and Gaza are known as the Palestinian territories. Along with East Jerusalem and Israel, they formed part of a land known as Palestine from Roman times until the mid-20th Century.The West Bank and Gaza are known as the Palestinian territories. Along with East Jerusalem and Israel, they 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 the country'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 the country's right to exist.
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