The Israeli military responded with air strikes on Gaza, and launched a ground offensive. More than 21,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
During a temporary truce at the end of November, Hamas released 105 hostages and Israel freed 240 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
What is the goal of Israel’s military operation in Gaza?
Since the 7 October attacks, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warplanes have carried out air strikes across Gaza while its troops have moved through the territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had a “clear goal of destroying Hamas’s military and governing capabilities”, as well as freeing the hostages.
Israel, the UK, US and other Western powers class Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Mr Netanyahu also declared that Israel would have “overall security responsibility” for Gaza “for an indefinite period” after the conflict. However, he later said Israel had no plans to reoccupy the territory.
Israel drafted 300,000 reservists for the operation, boosting its standing force of 160,000.
What is happening on the ground in Gaza?
The IDF says it has struck more than 22,000 targets since 7 October.
It also says it has destroyed more than 800 tunnel shafts built underneath Gaza. Hamas previously claimed that its tunnel network stretches for 500km (310 miles). https://lakbanhitam.com/
Satellite images suggest that nearly 100,000 buildings in Gaza may have been damaged during the fighting.