Israel has officially declared war for the first time since 1973 as the Palestinian Islamist militant group launched an unprecedented attack early on Saturday, with its fighters entering communities near the Gaza Strip, killing dozens of residents and taking hostages.
In retaliation, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has launched “Operation Swords of Iron”, striking a number of targets in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to avenge what he said was a “black day” for Israel, stressing the military will strike back with full force.
On Sunday, Lebanon’s powerful armed group Hezbollah said it had launched rockets and shells at three Israeli positions “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people. Here is what you need to know about the people and places involved – and the essential context to understand the story.
Hamas Explained
Starting with Hamas, the group rules the Gaza Strip. It has fought several wars with Israel since taking control of Gaza in 2007.
Israel has also repeatedly attacked Hamas and, together with Egypt, has blockaded the Gaza Strip since 2007 in what it says is for its security.
The Iran-backed Hamas as a whole, or in some cases its military wing, is designated a terrorist group by Israel, the EU, the US, the UK, as well as other powers.
A senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has voiced support for the group, calling the deadly assault on Israel a “proud operation”.
Gaza Strip Explained
Home to about 2.3 million people, the Gaza Strip is a 41-km long and 10-km wide territory between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the UN, about 80% of the population of Gaza relies on international assistance. And about 1 million people depend on daily food aid.
The Gaza Strip has one of the highest population densities in the world. Israel and Egypt control who passes in and out through their respective border crossings with Gaza.
Although there is constant tension between Israel and Hamas, the attack by the militant group on Saturday came without warning.
Is This An Israeli Intelligence Failure?
With the combined efforts of Israeli domestic intelligence, external spy agency and other assets, BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner calls it a major intelligence failure.
He says it is frankly astounding that nobody saw this coming. Israel has arguably the most extensive and well-funded intelligence services in the Middle East.
What Has The War Got To Do With Palestine?
The West Bank and Gaza, which are known as the Palestinian territories, as well as East Jerusalem and Israel all formed part of land known as Palestine since Roman times.
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Israel was declared a state in 1948, though the land is still referred to as Palestine by those who do not recognise Israel’s right to exist.
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