Hamas, a Palestinian militant organisation, has attacked Israel in a way that has never been done before by sending its members into neighbourhoods close to the Gaza Strip, where they killed locals and kidnapped captives. Here is the background information you need to understand the characters and setting of this novel. The details have been retracted from a developing BBC story.
Note: Visuals can be disturbing, reader’s discretion advised.
A Brief: Hamas group
Since assuming control in Gaza in 2007, Hamas, which has vowed to destroy Israel, has engaged in a number of battles with Israel. Between both conflicts, it carried out numerous devastating attacks and launched or authorised other organisations to fire thousands of rockets against Israel. Israel has also consistently targeted Hamas with airstrikes, and since 2007, it and Egypt have blockaded the Gaza Strip.
Israel, the US, the EU, the UK, and other nations have all branded Hamas as a terrorist organisation, as well as its military arm in some circumstances. Iran supports Hamas by giving it money, equipment, and training.
All about Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip is a region that is 10 km (3.1 mi) broad and 41 km (25 mi) long that lies between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. One of the greatest population densities in the world, it is home to around 2.3 million people.
Israel regulates who and what is permitted to enter and exit through its border crossings and maintains control over the airspace over Gaza and its coastline. Egypt similarly regulates who enters and exits over its border with Gaza.
How is it related to Palestine?
Since Roman times, Israel, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank, collectively known as the Palestinian Territories, have all been a part of the region known as Palestine.
Jews view these regions as their ancestral homeland since they were the locations of Jewish kingdoms in the Bible.
Although the territory is still referred to as Palestine by those who do not accept Israel’s right to exist, Israel was officially recognised as a state in 1948.
Israel vs Hamas conflict
Although there is ongoing hostility between Israel and Hamas, the terrorist strike on Saturday came out of nowhere. While hundreds of fighters broke across the border and into Israeli neighbourhoods, murdering scores of civilians and capturing others, Hamas fired thousands of missiles against Israel.
Israel immediately began airstrikes, claiming to be aiming at terrorist bases in Gaza.
Upcoming scope of events
Israel is aware of the possibility of a conflict that might develop on several fronts. The most likely outcome is that it would attract Hezbollah, a potent armed organisation in Lebanon. Hezbollah fired a number of missiles and mortars at northern Israel early on Sunday, but no one was hurt.
The Israeli military has commanded a significant troop increase. It has stated that it intends to conduct a land operation in Gaza in addition to its frequent airstrikes there.
