What is Hamas, what is happening in Israel and Gaza Strip, and other questions

I can provide you with some general information about Hamas and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip. However, please note that the situation may have evolved since then, and I recommend checking the latest news from reliable sources for the most up-to-date information.

What is Hamas?

Hamas is a Palestinian political and military organization that was founded in 1987. Its full name is Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which translates to the "Islamic Resistance Movement." Hamas has both a political and a military wing. It was initially established as a response to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and has its roots in the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries.

The conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip has a long and complex history, primarily centered around issues related to territory, borders, and the rights of Palestinian people. The Gaza Strip is a small Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel and Egypt. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world and has been under the control of Hamas since 2007, following a brief but bloody conflict with the rival Palestinian faction Fatah.

The conflict between Israel and Gaza has resulted in numerous military confrontations, with the most recent major escalations occurring in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021. These escalations often involve rocket attacks by Palestinian militants in Gaza into Israel and Israeli military operations in response. Civilians on both sides have tragically suffered casualties in these conflicts, leading to international concern and diplomatic efforts to broker ceasefires and find long-term solutions to the underlying issues.

The reasons behind the conflict are deeply rooted in historical, political, and social factors, including competing national aspirations, disputes over land and resources, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Efforts to resolve the conflict have been ongoing for years, with various peace initiatives and negotiations taking place, but a comprehensive and lasting resolution has yet to be achieved.

It's important to note that the situation in the region is highly sensitive and rapidly evolving. For the most current and accurate information, it is recommended to refer to reliable news sources and official statements from the involved parties.

Conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip:

The conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip is a long-standing and complex issue. It primarily revolves around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and territorial disputes. Key points to understand include:

Gaza Strip: The Gaza Strip is a small territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel to the east and north and Egypt to the southwest. It is home to a significant Palestinian population and has been a focal point of conflict.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a decades-old dispute over land, borders, and the rights of Palestinians. It involves competing national narratives and historical claims to the same territory.

Blockade of Gaza: Israel has maintained a blockade of the Gaza Strip since 2007 when Hamas took control of the territory. This blockade restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, leading to economic hardship and humanitarian concerns.

Military Conflicts: Periodic conflicts and clashes have erupted between Israel and Hamas, often characterized by rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli military operations in Gaza. These conflicts have resulted in casualties on both sides and significant destruction.

Current Situation:

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, tensions remained high in the region, and sporadic clashes between Israel and Gaza were not uncommon. It's essential to check the latest news for updates on the situation, as circumstances can change rapidly in this conflict.

For the most up-to-date information and analysis on the Israel-Gaza conflict and related issues, please refer to reputable news sources and consult experts in the field of Middle East politics and international relations.

Why did Hamas attack now?

Although the attack by the militants on 7 October came without warning, it happened at a time of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

This year has been the deadliest year on record for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which could have motivated Hamas to strike Israel with a spectacular attack. Hamas might also have been seeking to score a major propaganda victory against Israel to boost its popularity among ordinary Palestinians.

The fact that it has taken so many Israelis captive is likely to be aimed at pressuring Israel to free some of the about 4,500 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons - a highly emotive issue for all Palestinians.

There is also speculation that the attack was orchestrated by Iran - Israel's arch-foe - though Iran's ambassador the UN has denied his country's involvement.

Iran and Hamas also staunchly oppose the growing prospect of a historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia - something which might be thwarted if Israel's military response to the attacks provokes widespread anger in the Arab world.

How unprecedented is this attack?

As our International Editor Jeremy Bowen writes, this is the most ambitious operation Hamas has ever launched from Gaza and the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation.

Militants breached the wire that separates Gaza from Israel in multiple places.

The unprecedented attack came a day after the 50th anniversary of the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria in 1973 that started a major Middle East war. The significance of the date will not have been lost on the Hamas leadership.

What could happen next?

Hamas militant commander Mohammed Deif has called on Palestinians and other Arabs to join the militants' operation to "sweep away the [Israeli] occupation".

A big question now is whether Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem or elsewhere in the region will heed his call, says our Jerusalem correspondent Yolande Knell.

Israel undoubtedly sees the potential for a war that could open up on multiple fronts. A worst-case scenario is that it could draw in the powerful Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah. On Sunday morning, Hezbollah launched a number of missiles and shells at northern Israel, without causing casualties.

The Israeli military has ordered a massive reinforcement of troops. As well as its intense air raids on Gaza, it has indicated that it is planning a ground operation there.