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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?
(32 minutes later)
Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.
Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. At least 13,300 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. At least 13,300 people have been killed in Gaza, 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 carrying out strikes across Gaza while its troops are moving through the north of the territory.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes are carrying out strikes across Gaza while its troops are moving through the north of the territory.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.
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 said 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 said stretch for 500km (310 miles).
Mr Netanyahu has admitted that Israel had been "not successful" at minimising civilian casualties in Gaza, but blamed Hamas for using them as human shields.Mr Netanyahu has admitted that Israel had been "not successful" at minimising civilian casualties in Gaza, but blamed Hamas for using them as human shields.
The IDF says two soldiers died in northern Gaza on Monday, meaning at least 383 Israeli soldiers have been killed since 7 October, most of them in the Hamas attack.The IDF says two soldiers died in northern Gaza on Monday, meaning at least 383 Israeli soldiers have been killed since 7 October, most of them in the Hamas attack.
Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?Could an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza meet its aims?
What is happening on the ground in Gaza?What is happening on the ground in Gaza?
The leader of Hamas says the group is close to reaching a "truce agreement" with Israel, raising hopes of a pause in hostilities that could see hostages freed.The leader of Hamas says the group is close to reaching a "truce agreement" with Israel, raising hopes of a pause in hostilities that could see hostages freed.
Talksare said to be at the "closest point" to reaching an agreement since the conflict began- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that "we are making progress". Talks are said to be at the "closest point" to reaching an agreement since the conflict began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that "we are making progress".
Meanwhile, fighting continues to rage in Gaza, with the Israeli military saying it has surrounded the city of Jabalia in the north.Meanwhile, fighting continues to rage in Gaza, with the Israeli military saying it has surrounded the city of Jabalia in the north.
Israeli forces have also encircled the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, where it's thought 500 patients remain.Israeli forces have also encircled the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, where it's thought 500 patients remain.
The Hamas-run health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 12 patients inside the hospital on Sunday night.The Hamas-run health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 12 patients inside the hospital on Sunday night.
Hundreds of people are still being evacuated from Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, which Israel occupied last week.Hundreds of people are still being evacuated from Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, which Israel occupied last week.
Twenty-eight of the 31 premature babies who were evacuated from the hospital have been taken into Egypt. Unicef said that 20 were not accompanied by their parents or carers.Twenty-eight of the 31 premature babies who were evacuated from the hospital have been taken into Egypt. Unicef said that 20 were not accompanied by their parents or carers.
Newborn babies have been transferred from Al-Shifa hospitalNewborn babies have been transferred from Al-Shifa hospital
Both Israeli and US intelligence say Al-Shifa had been a key command centre for Hamas - which it denies.Both Israeli and US intelligence say Al-Shifa had been a key command centre for Hamas - which it denies.
Israel released a video which it says shows a tunnel underneath the hospital leading to a blast proof door, which it says is the same type Hamas uses for its command centres.Israel released a video which it says shows a tunnel underneath the hospital leading to a blast proof door, which it says is the same type Hamas uses for its command centres.
The Israeli military has also shared images of what it claimed were Hamas weapons and ammunition found at Al-Shifa.The Israeli military has also shared images of what it claimed were Hamas weapons and ammunition found at Al-Shifa.
BBC Verify: Assessing video Israel released of tunnel and hostagesBBC Verify: Assessing video Israel released of tunnel and hostages
BBC goes inside Al-Shifa hospital with the Israeli armyBBC goes inside Al-Shifa hospital with the Israeli army
Gaza hospitals caught on front line of warGaza hospitals caught on front line of war
Separately, the Palestinian news agency Wafa says at least 17 people have been killed in another Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.Separately, the Palestinian news agency Wafa says at least 17 people have been killed in another Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
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.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.
Israel has also told people in in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, to leave their homes.The city's population includes hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have already fled from the north. Israel has also told people in in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, to leave their homes. The city's population includes hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have already fled from the north.
What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The UN 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.The UN 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.
The heads of all the major UN agencies have repeatedly called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", as well as the unconditional release of hostages.The heads of all the major UN agencies have repeatedly 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".
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply shocked" that two UN schools in Gaza were attacked at the weekend.UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply shocked" that two UN schools in Gaza were attacked at the weekend.
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.
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 lorry loads 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 lorry loads which used to arrive every day are currently getting into Gaza.
Israel is now allowing 60,000 litres of fuel a day to enter Gaza, having previously banned all deliveries. However, the UN says 600,000 litres a day are needed to operate water and desalination plants, and power hospitals and bakeries.Israel is now allowing 60,000 litres of fuel a day to enter Gaza, having previously banned all deliveries. However, the UN says 600,000 litres a day are needed to operate water and desalination plants, and power hospitals and bakeries.
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
Hamas leadership: Who is Yahya Sinwar?Hamas leadership: Who is Yahya Sinwar?
Hostages: Stories of the hostages taken by Hamas from IsraelHostages: Stories of the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel
Analysis: How the dead are counted in GazaAnalysis: How the dead are counted in Gaza
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflictHistory behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Who are the hostages?Who are the hostages?
Hamas is holding about 240 hostages in Gaza. Israel's military says that 20 are children, and that between 10 and 20 are over 60.Hamas is holding about 240 hostages in Gaza. Israel's military says that 20 are children, and that between 10 and 20 are over 60.
Hamas says it has hidden the hostages in "safe places and tunnels" within Gaza.Hamas says it has hidden the hostages in "safe places and tunnels" within Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said he would only consider a ceasefire in Gaza once all the hostages were released.Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said he would only consider a ceasefire in Gaza once all the hostages were released.
Last week, the Israel military said it had found the bodies of 19-year-old Noa Marciano, a soldier in the IDF, and 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, at sites near Al-Shifa hospital.Last week, the Israel military said it had found the bodies of 19-year-old Noa Marciano, a soldier in the IDF, and 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, at sites near Al-Shifa hospital.
It says Cpl Marciano had been injured in an air strike and then killed by Hamas in Al-Shifa hospital. It released a videowhich it says shows Cpl Marciano and another hostage being moved through the hospital.It says Cpl Marciano had been injured in an air strike and then killed by Hamas in Al-Shifa hospital. It released a videowhich it says shows Cpl Marciano and another hostage being moved through the hospital.
Also last week, Palestinian Islamic Jihad - a militant group separate from Hamas - released a video of two other Israeli hostages in Gaza - a woman in her 70s called Hanna Katsir, and a teenage boy.Also last week, Palestinian Islamic Jihad - a militant group separate from Hamas - released a video of two other Israeli hostages in Gaza - a woman in her 70s called Hanna Katsir, and a teenage boy.
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, Pte Ori Megidish, was rescued during ground operations in Gaza.Separately, the IDF said one of its soldiers, Pte Ori Megidish, was rescued during ground operations in Gaza.
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.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.
The government of Qatar has been brokering negotiations for the release of the hostages.The government of Qatar has been brokering negotiations for the release of the hostages.
Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?
Hostages' fates haunt Israel as Gaza war intensifiesHostages' fates haunt Israel as Gaza war intensifies
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