Israel-Hamas war in maps and charts: Live Tracker
The latest death toll stands at 493 Palestinians and more than 700 Israelis killed since October 7.
The Israeli army has carried out a large-scale attack on the Gaza Strip for a second night, following the Palestinian group Hamas launching a large-scale attack against Israel on October 7.
According to health officials, the latest death toll stands at 493 Palestinians and more than 700 Israelis. Israel's health ministry says 2,382 Israelis have been treated in hospitals, while the Gaza-based Ministry of Health reports that more than 2,300 people there have been wounded.
The Israeli army says some 100,000 reserve troops have amassed near the fence with Gaza.
Sixteen years of Israeli blockade
Gaza is a narrow strip of land located between Israel and Egypt on the Mediterranean coast. It has a population of about 2.3 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world.
Since 2007, Israel has maintained strict control over Gaza's airspace and territorial waters, and has restricted the movement of goods and people in and out of the territory. This blockade has had a devastating impact on the Gazan economy and has made it difficult for people to access essential goods and services.
In recent years, there have been a number of flare-ups of violence between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls Gaza. In response to Hamas rocket attacks, Israel has carried out airstrikes on Gaza, which have often resulted in civilian casualties.
In October 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to turn Gaza into a "deserted island" and warned its residents to "leave now". This threat has raised concerns about a possible Israeli invasion of Gaza, which would have a devastating impact on the civilian population.
The situation in Gaza is complex and there is no easy solution. However, it is important to remember that the people of Gaza are innocent civilians who are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict. The international community must work to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and to ensure that the people of Gaza have access to the essential goods and services they need.
How the Hamas attack unfolded
On Saturday morning, at about 6:30am (03:30 GMT), Hamas fired a huge barrage of rockets into southern Israel. Sirens were heard as far away as Tel Aviv and Beersheba. Hamas said it launched 5,000 rockets in the initial barrage, while Israel's military said 2,500 rockets were fired.
About an hour later, fighters crossed into Israel in an unprecedented multi-pronged operation through land, air, and sea. Most fighters entered through breaches in security barriers separating Gaza and Israel.
This is a serious escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and it is important to note that there are civilian casualties on both sides. The international community must work to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
Hamas’s surprise attack came after Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in recent days and a record number of Palestinians were killed by Israel in recent months.
At 9:45am (06:45 GMT), blasts were heard in Gaza and at 10am (07:00 GMT) Israel’s military spokesperson said the air force was carrying out attacks in Gaza.
Gun battles continued between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in several areas of southern Israel.
Israeli air attacks continued late into the night as did rocket fire into southern Israel.
Gaza's densely populated neighbourhoods
The Gaza Strip comprises five governorates: North Gaza, Gaza City, Deir el-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
North Gaza extends for 10km (6 miles) and shares the only crossing into Israel through Beit Hanoon, also known as the Erez crossing.
North Gaza is home to the Jabalia refugee camp, the largest in the Strip.
Gaza City is the largest and most populous city within the Gaza Strip, with more than 750,000 residents. Rimal, Shujaiya and Tel al-Hawa are among its most well-known neighbourhoods.
At the heart of the Rimal neighbourhood is al-Shifa Hospital – the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip.
Deir el-Balah is one of Gaza’s largest agricultural producers. It is also home to four refugee camps: Nuseirat, al-Bureij, al-Maghazi and Deir el-Balah.
Gaza’s only operating power plant is located along the district’s boundary with Gaza City.
Khan Younis is home to some 430,000 people. At its centre is the Khan Younis refugee camp, where about 90,000 people live.
Rafah is the southernmost district of Gaza with a population of about 275,000. Rafah is also the name of the crossing with Egypt that is located here.
Both Israel and Egypt have kept their borders largely shut, and are responsible for further deteriorating the already weakened economic and humanitarian situation.
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