What is Hamas and why is it fighting with Israel in Gaza? - BBC News

Why did Hamas attack Israel, and what has happened in Gaza since the 7 October raid?

3 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Getty ImagesHamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.

The Israeli military responded with air strikes on Gaza, and launched a ground offensive. More than 17,100 people people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run government.

Fighting has resumed after a seven-day temporary truce, during which Hamas released more than 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians who were held in Israeli jails.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes have been carrying out strikes across Gaza while its troops move through the territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has a "clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities", as well as freeing the hostages.