Israel-Hamas fighting: What’s happening in the Gaza Strip and why?
Three main areas in southern Israel are playing host to major gun battles between Israeli forces and fighters from a Palestinian militant group. More than one hundred Israelis are being held captive, and there have been fatalities on both sides. But what's happening, where, and why is action being taken? Here's what you need to know.
Transcript
00:00 A 10km wide and 41km long territory that sits between Egypt, Israel and the Mediterranean
00:06 Sea, known as the Gaza Strip, is home to a population of around 2.4 million. According
00:12 to United Nations, around 80% of people in Gaza depend on foreign aid, with around 1
00:17 million relying on daily food aid. Ruling over the Gaza Strip is the Palestinian Islamist
00:22 militant group known as Hamas. They've just launched the largest scale attack against
00:27 Israel ever launched from Gaza, the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more
00:32 than a generation. Since taking over in 2007, there have been many wars fought against the
00:37 nation, with the organisation dubbed a terrorist group by Israel, the US, EU and UK as well
00:42 as others. This recent string of attacks, starting Saturday, came without warning, with
00:47 rockets launched, civilians captured and held hostage, communities invaded and the death
00:51 toll now in the hundreds. A huge troop reinforcement has been ordered by Israeli forces, with
00:57 indications of a ground operation to come in Gaza.