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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?
(1 day 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 more than 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
Since then, Israel has been carrying out strikes on Gaza in response, killing more than 10,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has been carrying out strikes on Gaza since then in response, and has now also launched a ground offensive. More than 10,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
What is Israel doing in Gaza?What is Israel doing in Gaza?
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has bombarded Gaza from the air and sent ground forces into the territory. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes are bombarding Gaza from the air while its troops and tanks are advancing on the ground.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said there was a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said it has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.
He later gave an indication of his plans for after the conflict - saying Israel would take "overall security responsibility" for the Gaza Strip for an "indefinite period". He has refused calls for a ceasefire, but has said "tactical little pauses" in military operations for humanitarian purposes "may be possible".
He has refused calls for a ceasefire but has said "tactical little pauses" in military operations for humanitarian purposes "may be possible". On Monday, Mr Netanyahu said that after the conflict, Israel planned to take "overall security responsibility" for the Gaza Strip for an "indefinite period".
Much of the IDF's focus has been on northern Gaza, on the densely built-up area of Gaza City and the nearby refugee camps of Jabalia and Shati. An Israeli official clarified on Tuesday that this meant Israel would ensure Gaza remained demilitarised, and that Israel did not plan to reoccupy or govern the territory.
The IDF first warned people in the north of Gaza to leave the region and head south on 13 October, and has repeated those calls several times, but has continued to hit targets in the south. Speaking after a G7 foreign ministers' meeting on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israel should not reoccupy Gaza after the conflict, forcibly displace its residents or reduce its territory.
The BBC's diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams says there are more than 300,000 civilians still living in northern Gaza. Much of the IDF's focus so far has been on northern Gaza, particularly densely-populated Gaza City.
Palestinians evacuate the site of Israeli strikes in central Gaza 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 situation in Gaza is changing rapidly. Recent developments include: On Tuesday, local authorities said 600,000 people were still living in Gaza City and other northern areas.
On Tuesday, the IDF said it had taken control of "a Hamas stronghold" in northern Gaza, after saying the previous day it had surrounded Gaza City and cut the Gaza Strip in two The UN said 15,000 people passed along the IDF-declared evacuation corridor on Tuesday, as Israel's defence minister said its forces were "in the heart of Gaza City".
It also said it had bombed Hamas fighters in a building near Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City Watch: Civilians leave northern Gaza on foot
Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza were quoted by the Reuters news agency saying at least 23 people were killed in separate Israeli air strikes in the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis overnight into Tuesday. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said the toll was higher still. The IDF has not yet commented Watch: Civilians leave northern Gaza on foot
Wafa also said one of its journalists, Mohammad Abu Hasira, was killed alongside 42 members of his family by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the north The situation in Gaza is changing rapidly. Other recent developments include:
The IDF says it continues to allow safe passage at fixed times to allow civilians still in the north to move south The IDF said on Wednesday that it had killed Mohsen Abu Zina, the head of Hamas's intelligence and weapons department, while Hamas's military wing said it had inflicted heavy losses on Israeli forces in northern Gaza. The BBC cannot verify either claim
The IDF has tens of thousands of soldiers, tanks and artillery along Gaza's borders. It has drafted a record 300,000 reservists alongside its standing force of 160,000. The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza also said Israel had carried out 27 attacks in the past day, in which 241 people were killed. It said almost half of those deaths were in the south
Hamas is thought to have about 25,000 members in its military wing. It operates from underground tunnels, which it has said stretch for 500km (310 miles). The IDF said it continued to allow safe passage at fixed times to allow civilians still in the north to move southwards
The IDF has stationed tens of thousands of soldiers, tanks and artillery along Gaza's borders. It has drafted a record 300,000 reservists to boost its standing force of 160,000.
Israel believes Hamas has about 30,000 members in its military wing. It operates from underground tunnels, which it has said stretch for 500km (310 miles).
More on Israel-Gaza warMore on Israel-Gaza war
Follow live: Latest updatesFollow live: Latest updates
From Gaza: He had a call from Israeli intelligence. 'We have the order to bomb. You have two hours'
From Israel: Pain still raw a month after Hamas attacksFrom Israel: 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
Explained: Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?Explained: Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel?
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?
On Monday, the heads of all the major UN agencies called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", as well as the unconditional release of hostages.On Monday, the heads of all the major UN agencies called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", as well as the unconditional release of hostages.
Their statement said that "cutting off 2.2 million Palestinians from food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel" was an "outrage". Their statement 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".
It also said that more than 23,000 injured people "require immediate treatment within overstretched hospitals". On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said around 15 of Gaza's 35 hospitals were not working, and that some patients were undergoing operations - including amputations - without anaesthesia.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that Gaza was "fast becoming a graveyard for children", and that situation there was "more than a humanitarian crisis; it is a crisis of humanity". Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 1.5 million Gaza residents were 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.
His remarks were criticised by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. On Wednesday, the G7 group of countries - which includes the UK and US - released a statement supporting "humanitarian pauses and corridors to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages". The statement did not call for a ceasefire.
On Tuesday, Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said that 1.5 million Gaza residents had been displaced, and that 717,000 people were sheltering at its "overflowing" sites. Phone and internet services have been cut repeatedly in Gaza, leaving people unable to call for ambulances or other emergency services, or to contact the outside world.
Many other families are sharing homes, or sleeping in tents. Some 1.2 million people living in the territory already relied on food aid before the latest hostilities, according to the UN.
Phone and internet services have been cut repeatedly in Gaza, leaving people cut off from the outside world and unable to call ambulances or access the limited help which is available inside Gaza. On Monday, Israel said Jordan's air force had dropped medical equipment for a Jordanian field hospital in Gaza in co-ordination with the IDF.
Gaza normally receives 500 lorry loads of supplies a day, but only a fraction of that amount has been arriving during the latest conflict. The UN says some 1.2 million people living in the territory already relied on food aid before the latest hostilities.
On Monday, Israel said Jordan's air force had dropped medical equipment into a field hospital in Gaza, in co-ordination with the IDF.
Gaza Strip in maps: Life in Gaza under siegeGaza Strip in maps: Life in Gaza under siege
What is happening at the Rafah crossing?What is happening at the Rafah crossing?
Around 600 foreign passport holders, including two UK passport holders, were on Tuesday's list of people eligible to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Around 600 foreign passport holders are on Wednesday's list of people allowed to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. There are no UK nationals on the list, which was published by the Palestinian border authority.
Hundreds of injured people and foreign passport holders, including more than 100 UK citizens, have left through Rafah 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.
However, many more remain stuck in Gaza. An average of 33 lorries carrying aid supplies are entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt every day, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Earlier on Tuesday, 70 trucks carrying medical supplies, food, and water crossed into Gaza from Egypt, according to Cogat, a unit of the Israeli Ministry of Defence. It said the trucks were inspected before being allowed to enter. A total of 569 lorries have crossed since 21 October, but before the conflict Gaza received 500 lorry-loads of supplies every day on average.
One aid charity told the BBC a lack of fuel meant the aid getting through could not be transported to Gaza City and the north.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
'I don’t want to die at 24' - trapped Gaza woman'I don’t want to die at 24' - trapped Gaza woman
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, including in tunnels. Hamas says it has hidden the hostages across Gaza, with some in its tunnel network.
It says at least 50 of them 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.
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?
Hamas 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.
Many 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