What's happened
Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, including children, amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as hostages remain unaccounted for, while Israel threatens expanded military action if ceasefire violations continue.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, recent airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 38 Palestinians, including women and children, with significant casualties reported in Beit Lahiya. The Independent highlights that the Israeli military claims to target Hamas militants but has faced criticism for civilian casualties, with over 44,800 Palestinians reported dead since the conflict began. The New York Times notes that the humanitarian situation is dire, with many displaced and lacking basic necessities. The ongoing violence raises questions about the effectiveness of international diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire.
How we got here
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. Israel's military response has led to extensive destruction in Gaza, resulting in over 44,800 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement.
Common question
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What are the latest developments in the Gaza conflict?
The Gaza conflict has escalated dramatically, with recent airstrikes leading to significant civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. As tensions rise, many are left wondering about the implications of these events and the roles various groups play in the ongoing violence. Below are some common questions regarding the current situation in Gaza.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Gaza may refer to:
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.