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What is Hamas and why is it fighting with Israel in Gaza? What is Hamas and why is it fighting with Israel in Gaza?
(3 days later)
Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.
The Israeli military responded with air strikes on Gaza, and launched a ground offensive. More than 14,800 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run government. The Israeli military responded with air strikes on Gaza, and launched a ground offensive. Almost 16,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run government.
Fighting has resumed following the end of a seven-day truce, during which Hamas released more than 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.Fighting has resumed following the end of a seven-day truce, during which Hamas released more than 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
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 have been carrying out strikes across Gaza while its troops have been moving through the north of the territory.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes have been carrying out strikes across Gaza while its troops have been moving through the north of the territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.
He has also declared that Israel will have "overall security responsibility" for the Gaza Strip "for an indefinite period" after the conflict. Israel later said it has no plans to reoccupy the territory.He has also declared that Israel will have "overall security responsibility" for the Gaza Strip "for an indefinite period" after the conflict. Israel later said it has no plans to reoccupy the territory.
Israel has drafted 300,000 reservists for the operation, to boost its standing force of 160,000.Israel has drafted 300,000 reservists for the operation, to boost its standing force of 160,000.
Satellite data maps damage in northern GazaSatellite data maps damage in northern Gaza
How much damage has been done in Gaza?How much damage has been done in Gaza?
The IDF says it has struck thousands of targets belonging to Hamas - which Israel, the UK, US and other Western powers class as a terrorist organisation.The IDF says it has struck thousands of targets belonging to Hamas - which Israel, the UK, US and other Western powers class as a terrorist organisation.
Israeli ground forces are now pushing into southern Gaza and are operating in areas around the city of Khan Younis.
The IDF also says it has destroyed hundreds of tunnel shafts built underneath Gaza. Hamas has claimed that its tunnel network stretches for 500km (310 miles).The IDF also says it has destroyed hundreds of tunnel shafts built underneath Gaza. Hamas has claimed that its tunnel network stretches for 500km (310 miles).
Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters during the war, including many commanders. More than 390 Israeli soldiers have been killed, most of them in the 7 October attack.Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters during the war, including many commanders. More than 390 Israeli soldiers have been killed, most of them in the 7 October attack.
The IDF says 75 Israeli troops have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.
Who are the hostages and how many have been freed?Who are the hostages and how many have been freed?
During the 7 October attacks, Hamas took about 240 hostages, which it said were hidden in "safe places and tunnels" within Gaza.During the 7 October attacks, Hamas took about 240 hostages, which it said were hidden in "safe places and tunnels" within Gaza.
Israel said more than 30 of the hostages were children, and that at least 10 were aged over 60. It also said about half of the hostages had foreign passports from 25 different countries.Israel said more than 30 of the hostages were children, and that at least 10 were aged over 60. It also said about half of the hostages had foreign passports from 25 different countries.
Under a deal brokered by Qatar, a pause in the fighting began on Friday 24 November.Under a deal brokered by Qatar, a pause in the fighting began on Friday 24 November.
Large crowds have been gathering in the occupied West Bank to greet Palestinians released from Israeli jailsLarge crowds have been gathering in the occupied West Bank to greet Palestinians released from Israeli jails
During the truce105 hostages were freed, in return for 240 Palestinian prisoners. During the truce 105 hostages were freed, in return for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
The hostages included:The hostages included:
78 Israeli women and children78 Israeli women and children
23 Thai hostages and one Filipino23 Thai hostages and one Filipino
3 Russian-Israelis3 Russian-Israelis
Hamas released four Israeli hostages before the truce agreement was made, and another hostage was freed by Israeli forces.Hamas released four Israeli hostages before the truce agreement was made, and another hostage was freed by Israeli forces.
There are thought to be about 130 people still in captivity.There are thought to be about 130 people still in captivity.
Hamas has said other armed groups in Gaza are holding hostages, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which could complicate any future releases.Hamas has said other armed groups in Gaza are holding hostages, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which could complicate any future releases.
Israel frees Palestinian activist Ahed TamimiIsrael frees Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi
Who are the released hostages?Who are the released hostages?
Hamas captives tell of fear, squalor and hungerHamas captives tell of fear, squalor and hunger
What is happening on the ground in Gaza, and what is the humanitarian situation?What is happening on the ground in Gaza, and what is the humanitarian situation?
More than 36,000 people - three quarters of them children and women - have been wounded in Gaza since the start of the war, the Hamas-run government says.More than 36,000 people - three quarters of them children and women - have been wounded in Gaza since the start of the war, the Hamas-run government says.
However, only a small number of hospitals are still operational due to damage caused by attacks and the lack of electricity and fuel.However, only a small number of hospitals are still operational due to damage caused by attacks and the lack of electricity and fuel.
Mr Netanyahu has admitted that Israel has been "not successful" in minimising civilian casualties, but insisted this is because Hamas uses Gaza's population as human shields.Mr Netanyahu has admitted that Israel has been "not successful" in minimising civilian casualties, but insisted this is because Hamas uses Gaza's population as human shields.
Some schools in the south have been turned into makeshift medical facilitiesSome schools in the south have been turned into makeshift medical facilities
Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.8 million Gaza residents have been displaced during the conflict, and that 1.1 million of them have been sheltering at its facilities.Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.8 million Gaza residents have been displaced during the conflict, and that 1.1 million of them have been sheltering at its facilities.
This includes hundreds of thousands of people who fled the fighting in the north of Gaza by moving to the south.This includes hundreds of thousands of people who fled the fighting in the north of Gaza by moving to the south.
Israel's military has published a map showing zones in southern Gaza which, it said, will be used to help people in Gaza escape future fighting. Israel's military has published a map showing Gaza split into blocks - areas to which people should go to for safety.
However, says the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen, the map is complicated, has been giving conflicting advice on where to go, and needs a smartphone to use.
Thousands of people in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza have been told by the Israeli military to evacuate and are sheltering in places such as the European hospital.
The city is already hosting thousands residents who moved there to escape the fighting in northern Gaza.
After the 7 October attack, Israel shut its border crossings with Gaza, and blocked the usual supplies of food, water, fuel and medicine from entering the territory.After the 7 October attack, Israel shut its border crossings with Gaza, and blocked the usual supplies of food, water, fuel and medicine from entering the territory.
Israel obstructed all fuel deliveries to the territory until late November, arguing it could be stolen by Hamas and used for military purposes.Israel obstructed all fuel deliveries to the territory until late November, arguing it could be stolen by Hamas and used for military purposes.
Without electricity or fuel for generators, hospitals, water pumps and desalination plants, waste and sanitation services, and bakeries have been unable to function.Without electricity or fuel for generators, hospitals, water pumps and desalination plants, waste and sanitation services, and bakeries have been unable to function.
The heads of major UN agencies said cutting off essential supplies to 2.2 million Palestinians was an "outrage", and have repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.The heads of major UN agencies said cutting off essential supplies to 2.2 million Palestinians was an "outrage", and have repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.
Israel allowed 1,399 lorry loads of humanitarian supplies to enter via Egypt's Rafah border crossing between 21 October and 21 November, compared with a monthly average of 10,000 before the war, according to the UN.Israel allowed 1,399 lorry loads of humanitarian supplies to enter via Egypt's Rafah border crossing between 21 October and 21 November, compared with a monthly average of 10,000 before the war, according to the UN.
During the truce, hundreds of lorries carrying aid and fuel were allowed to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing - the only functioning passage in and out of Gaza.During the truce, hundreds of lorries carrying aid and fuel were allowed to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing - the only functioning passage in and out of Gaza.
Hundreds of foreign passport holders - including some British and US citizens - and seriously wounded and sick Palestinians have also been allowed to leave, but many remain. The Rafah crossing remains tightly controlled by Egypt.Hundreds of foreign passport holders - including some British and US citizens - and seriously wounded and sick Palestinians have also been allowed to leave, but many remain. The Rafah crossing remains tightly controlled by Egypt.
Scramble for basics: 'We've queued for gas for three days'Scramble for basics: 'We've queued for gas for three days'
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 happened during the Hamas 7 October attack on Israel?What happened during the Hamas 7 October attack on Israel?
On 7 October, hundreds of Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, breaking through the heavily guarded perimeter fence, landing by sea, and using paragliders.On 7 October, hundreds of Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, breaking through the heavily guarded perimeter fence, landing by sea, and using paragliders.
It was the most serious cross-border attack against Israel in more than a generation.It was the most serious cross-border attack against Israel 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.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.
Earlier estimates put the death toll at more than 1,400.Earlier estimates put the death toll at more than 1,400.
A young women kneels at a vigil for the hostages in the Israeli city of Tel AvivA young women kneels at a vigil for the hostages in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv
The attack came at a time of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions: 2023 has been the deadliest on record for Palestinians who live in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.The attack came at a time of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions: 2023 has been the deadliest on record for Palestinians who live in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
How Hamas built a force to attack Israel on 7 OctoberHow Hamas built a force to attack Israel on 7 October
What is Hamas and what does it want?What is Hamas and what does it want?
Hamas is a Palestinian group which has run Gaza since 2007.Hamas is a Palestinian group which has run Gaza since 2007.
The name is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which means Islamic Resistance Movement.The name is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which means Islamic Resistance Movement.
The group wants to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state.The group wants to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state.
Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas's political wing in Gaza, pictured in 2021Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas's political wing in Gaza, pictured in 2021
Its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, is thought to have about 30,000 members.Its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, is thought to have about 30,000 members.
Hamas has fought several wars with Israel since it took power, firing thousands of rockets into Israel and carrying out other deadly attacks.Hamas 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, sending in troops in 2008 and 2014.In response, Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes, sending in troops in 2008 and 2014.
Hamas - or in some cases the al-Qassam Brigades - has been designated a terrorist group by Israel, the US, the EU and the UK, as well as other powers.Hamas - or in some cases the al-Qassam Brigades - has been designated a terrorist group by Israel, the US, the EU and the UK, as well as other powers.
Iran backs the group, providing funding, weapons and training.Iran backs the group, providing funding, weapons and training.
Who is the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar?Who is the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar?
Who are the leaders of Hamas?Who are the leaders of Hamas?
Where is the Gaza Strip and how big is it?Where 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.
Previously occupied by Egypt, Gaza was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.Previously 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.
Home to 2.2 million people, the narrow strip is one of the most densely-populated areas in the world.Home to 2.2 million people, the narrow strip is one of the most densely-populated areas in the world.
Just over three-quarters of Gaza's population - some 1.7 million people - are registered refugees or descendants of refugees, according to the UN.Just over three-quarters 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 refugee camps located across the Strip.Before the latest conflict, more than 500,000 people lived in eight refugee 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.
Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explainedIsrael Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
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. In 1948, part of Palestine became Israel, which was recognised by the United Nations the following year. The West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza are recognised as Palestine by many countries and bodies, although it does not have member status at the UN.
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. Those who do not recognise Israel's right to exist also still refer to all of the land as Palestine.
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.
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GazaGaza
FatahFatah
Mahmoud AbbasMahmoud Abbas
HamasHamas