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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?
(about 2 months later)
Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have been at war since early October.Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have been at war since early October.
It began when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza - the deadliest in Israel's history.It began when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza - the deadliest in Israel's history.
An Israeli military campaign has followed, which has killed thousands in the Palestinian territory.An Israeli military campaign has followed, which has killed thousands in the Palestinian territory.
What happened during the Hamas attacks on Israel?What happened during the Hamas attacks on Israel?
On the morning of 7 October, waves of Hamas gunmen stormed across Gaza's border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Hamas also fired thousands of rockets.On the morning of 7 October, waves of Hamas gunmen stormed across Gaza's border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Hamas also fired thousands of rockets.
Those killed included children, the elderly and 364 young people at a music festival. Those killed included children, the elderly and 364 young people at a music festival. 
Hamas took more than 250 others to Gaza as hostages.Hamas took more than 250 others to Gaza as hostages.
The BBC has also seen evidence of rape and sexual violence during the Hamas attacks. The BBC has also seen evidence of rape and sexual violence during the Hamas attacks. 
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 why is it fighting Israel?What is Hamas and why is it fighting Israel?
Hamas became the sole ruler of Gaza after violently ejecting political rivals in 2007.Hamas became the sole ruler of Gaza after violently ejecting political rivals in 2007.
It has an armed wing and was thought to have 30,000 fighters before the start of the war. It has an armed wing and was thought to have about 30,000 fighters before the start of the war.
The group, whose name stands for Islamic Resistance Movement, wants to create an Islamic state in place of Israel. Hamas rejects Israel's right to exist and is committed to its destruction.The group, whose name stands for Islamic Resistance Movement, wants to create an Islamic state in place of Israel. Hamas rejects Israel's right to exist and is committed to its destruction.
Hamas justified its attack as a response to what it calls Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.Hamas justified its attack as a response to what it calls Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.
These include security raids on Islam's third holiest site - the al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied East Jerusalem - and Jewish settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.These include security raids on Islam's third holiest site - the al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied East Jerusalem - and Jewish settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.
Hamas fighters on an Israeli tank captured in the 7 October attackHamas fighters on an Israeli tank captured in the 7 October attack
Hamas also wants thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israel to be freed and for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt - something both countries say is for security.Hamas also wants thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israel to be freed and for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt - something both countries say is for security.
It has fought several wars with Israel since it took power, fired thousands of rockets and carried out other deadly attacks. It has fought several wars with Israel since it took power, fired thousands of rockets and carried out many other deadly attacks.
Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes and sent troops into Gaza in 2008 and 2014.Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes and sent troops into Gaza in 2008 and 2014.
Hamas, or in some cases its armed wing alone, is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US, the EU, and the UK, among others.Hamas, or in some cases its armed wing alone, is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US, the EU, and the UK, among others.
Iran backs Hamas with funding, weapons and training.Iran backs Hamas with funding, weapons and training.
Who are the leaders of Hamas?Who are the leaders of Hamas?
Who is the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar?Who is the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar?
Why is Israel fighting in Gaza?Why is Israel fighting in Gaza?
Israel immediately began a massive campaign of air strikes on targets in Gaza, in response to the Hamas attack Israel immediately began a massive campaign of air strikes on targets in Gaza, in response to the Hamas attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's aims were the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's aims were the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages.
Israel launched a ground invasion three weeks later. It has also bombarded Gaza from the sea.Israel launched a ground invasion three weeks later. It has also bombarded Gaza from the sea.
Attacks were initially focused on northern Gaza, particularly Gaza City and tunnels beneath it, which Israel said were the centre of military operations by Hamas.Attacks were initially focused on northern Gaza, particularly Gaza City and tunnels beneath it, which Israel said were the centre of military operations by Hamas.
All 1.1 million people living in the north were ordered by Israel to evacuate south for their safety.All 1.1 million people living in the north were ordered by Israel to evacuate south for their safety.
Following a temporary truce in late November, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was extending ground operations to southern Gaza. Following a temporary truce in late November, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) extended ground operations to southern Gaza.
Troops reached the heart of the second biggest city, Khan Younis, where the IDF said it believed top Hamas commanders were hiding. The IDF also pushed into refugee camps in central Gaza.Troops reached the heart of the second biggest city, Khan Younis, where the IDF said it believed top Hamas commanders were hiding. The IDF also pushed into refugee camps in central Gaza.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced people from the north were forced to move further south. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, and tens of thousands injured by Israeli strikes since the start of the war, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. It says most were women and children.
Israel says it plans to invade the southern town of Rafah, where about 1.5m have crowded to escape fighting elsewhere. Mr Netanyahu said in March that 13,000 Palestinian fighters had been killed, while about a month earlier the IDF said it had killed about 9,000 Hamas fighters, in addition to more than 1,000 of the attackers inside Israel on 7 October. It has not said how it came to this figure.
More than 28,000 Palestinians have been killed, and tens of thousands injured by Israeli strikes since the start of the war, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. It says most were women and children. Israel says more than 250 of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza.
The IDF says it has killed about 9,000 Hamas fighters, in addition to more than 1,000 of the attackers inside Israel. It has not said how it came to this figure.
Israel says more than 230 of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza.
Homes and other buildings in Gaza have suffered from extensive damage and destruction.Homes and other buildings in Gaza have suffered from extensive damage and destruction.
What Gaza's death toll says about the warWhat Gaza's death toll says about the war
At least half of Gaza buildings damaged or destroyed, new analysis showsAt least half of Gaza buildings damaged or destroyed, new analysis shows
Who are the hostages and how many have been freed?Who are the hostages and how many have been freed?
Most of the 253 men, women and children abducted by Hamas were civilians.Most of the 253 men, women and children abducted by Hamas were civilians.
They included elderly people and those with disabilities and medical conditions. The youngest was nine months old.They included elderly people and those with disabilities and medical conditions. The youngest was nine months old.
In Gaza, Hamas hid them in tunnels and fighters' homes. Unconfirmed reports suggest some have been held by other militant groups.In Gaza, Hamas hid them in tunnels and fighters' homes. Unconfirmed reports suggest some have been held by other militant groups.
During November's truce, 105 hostages (81 Israelis and dual nationals, and 24 foreigners) were released in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.During November's truce, 105 hostages (81 Israelis and dual nationals, and 24 foreigners) were released in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
Four hostages had previously been freed by Hamas and three rescued by the IDF - one on 29 October and two on 12 February.Four hostages had previously been freed by Hamas and three rescued by the IDF - one on 29 October and two on 12 February.
Three hostages were accidentally killed by Israeli troops who mistook them for Hamas fighters.Three hostages were accidentally killed by Israeli troops who mistook them for Hamas fighters.
Stories of the hostages taken by Hamas from IsraelStories of the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel
Who are the released hostages?Who are the released hostages?
What is happening with Gaza civilians and hospitals? What is the situation for civilians in Gaza?
Israel cut off supplies of food, water and fuel, to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The UN and aid agencies say Gaza is suffering severe shortages of food and other essentials including fuel and medicine. This is particularly acute in northern Gaza, where it is especially difficult to deliver aid which enters the territory from the south.
It led to severe shortages among Gaza's population. A UN-backed report says the situation across Gaza is turning into a man-made famine. A number of children have starved to death in northern Gaza, the UN says.
Israel has since allowed in humanitarian aid, medicines and limited amounts of fuel. Humanitarian agencies and Israel have blamed each other. Agencies say Israeli security checks on aid going into Gaza are complex and arbitrary, causing major delays. Israel denies impeding aid and says agencies are failing to distribute the aid that is allowed in.
However, the amount of aid getting into Gaza is well below pre-war levels. However Israel has agreed to open a crossing into northern Gaza and allow its nearby port of Ashdod to receive shipments of aid, after sharp criticism from the US.
The UN has accused Israel of obstructing the delivery of aid, while Israel has blamed the UN for problems. That came after the Israeli military killed seven aid workers in a drone attack, an incident which drew worldwide condemnation. Israel said the strike was a "grave mistake" due to misidentification.
The UN has described the situation in Gaza as "horrific", with shelters overflowing, and food and water running out. Ithas alsowarned of a growing risk of famine. Shifa hospital in Gaza City was destroyed in the Israeli military's raid
Gaza's health system is in a state of collapse. Gaza's health system is in a state of collapse. Medical facilities are overwhelmed by the huge number of injured and are struggling with shortages of staff, medical supplies, food, fuel and water.
Only 16 out of its 36 hospitals are partially open. Hospitals have been repeatedly attacked by the Israeli military, which says it has been targeting Hamas gunmen using the facilities as cover.
They are overwhelmed by the huge number of injured and are struggling with shortages of staff, medical supplies, food, fuel and water. A two-week raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City in March left the complex in ruins and beyond use.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline? What we know about Israeli strike on aid convoy
Erez and Ashdod: How will new Gaza aid routes work?
What are the chances of a ceasefire?
Talks aimed at reaching a second truce have stalled.
Hamas says it wants an end to the war, for Israeli troops to withdraw from Gaza, for displaced people to return to their homes and an influx of aid.
Israel says it cannot allow Hamas to remain in control of Gaza and wants hostages released in return for a temporary pause in fighting.
Israel says it plans to invade the southern town of Rafah, where about 1.5 million Palestinians have crowded to escape fighting elsewhere.
But the US - Israel's most important ally - has warned Israel it would not support such an invasion without clear plans for the safety of civilians there.
Gaza Strip in maps: How life has changed in three monthsGaza Strip in maps: How life has changed in three months
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 between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.The Gaza Strip is a 41km (25-mile) long and 10km-wide territory 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 about 7,000 settlers from the territory in 2005.Israel withdrew its troops and about 7,000 settlers from the territory in 2005.
Home to 2.2 million people, it is one of the world's most densely populated places.Home to 2.2 million people, it is one of the world's most densely populated places.
Just over three-quarters of Gaza's population are registered refugees, or descendants of refugees, the UN says.Just over three-quarters of Gaza's population are registered refugees, or descendants of refugees, the UN says.
Israel controls the air space over Gaza, its shoreline and its shared border, and limits the movement of people and goods.Israel controls the air space over Gaza, its shoreline and its shared border, and limits the movement of people and goods.
Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explainedIsrael Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
Huge challenges for Israel on its vague ‘day after’ Gaza planHuge challenges for Israel on its vague ‘day after’ Gaza plan
What is Palestine?What is Palestine?
The West Bank and Gaza are known as the Palestinian territories.The West Bank and Gaza are known as the Palestinian territories.
Along with East Jerusalem and Israel, they formed part of land known as Palestine from Roman times until the mid-20th Century. Along with East Jerusalem and Israel, they formed part of land known as Palestine from Roman times until the mid-20th Century.
In 1948, part of Palestine became Israel, which was recognised by the UN the following year.In 1948, part of Palestine became Israel, which was recognised by the UN 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 UN member status.The West Bank - including East Jerusalem - and Gaza are recognised as Palestine by many countries and bodies, although it does not have UN member status.
Those who do not recognise Israel's right to exist refer to all of the West Bank, Jerusalem, Gaza and Israel as Palestine.Those who do not recognise Israel's right to exist refer to all of the West Bank, Jerusalem, Gaza and Israel as Palestine.
The UN considers the West Bank and Gaza as a single Israeli-occupied territory.The UN considers the West Bank and Gaza as a single Israeli-occupied territory.
However, the two areas are run by rival Palestinian administrations.However, the two areas are run by rival Palestinian administrations.
The West Bank is governed with limited self-rule by the Palestinian Authority (PA), under President Mahmoud Abbas, and Israel has overall control. The PA officially recognises Israel. Hamas, in Gaza, does not recognise Israel.The West Bank is governed with limited self-rule by the Palestinian Authority (PA), under President Mahmoud Abbas, and Israel has overall control. The PA officially recognises Israel. Hamas, in Gaza, does not recognise Israel.
Hamas support soars in West Bank - but full uprising can still be avoidedHamas support soars in West Bank - but full uprising can still be avoided
Divided communities in the West BankDivided communities in the West Bank
What is the two-state solution?What is the two-state solution?
The future of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is one of the most difficult issues of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.The future of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is one of the most difficult issues of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
An internationally backed plan for peace is known as the "two-state solution".An internationally backed plan for peace is known as the "two-state solution".
It would mean an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel.It would mean an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel.
Israel's most important ally, the US, sees a two-state solution as the way forward once the Gaza war ends.Israel's most important ally, the US, sees a two-state solution as the way forward once the Gaza war ends.
A two-state solution is also formally supported by the PA.A two-state solution is also formally supported by the PA.
However, since 1967, Israel has built about 140 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.However, since 1967, Israel has built about 140 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The settlements are regarded as illegal by most of the rest of the world, though Israel disputes this.The settlements are regarded as illegal by most of the rest of the world, though Israel disputes this.
The PA insists all settlements must be removed as part of any future peace deal.The PA insists all settlements must be removed as part of any future peace deal.
The idea of a two-state solution has never been officially advocated by Israel, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his opposition.The idea of a two-state solution has never been officially advocated by Israel, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his opposition.
He says Israel must retain full security control over the West Bank and Gaza.He says Israel must retain full security control over the West Bank and Gaza.
Netanyahu publicly rejects US push for Palestinian stateNetanyahu publicly rejects US push for Palestinian state
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Israel & the PalestiniansIsrael & the Palestinians
Israel-Gaza warIsrael-Gaza war
IsraelIsrael
GazaGaza
FatahFatah
Mahmoud AbbasMahmoud Abbas
HamasHamas