In response, Israels prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, declared war and launched airstrikes killing almost 690 people in Gaza. His defence minister ordered a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip, which aid organisations have warned could end up amounting to “war crimes”. Meanwhile, Hamas has threatened to execute a hostage for every Israeli attack on Palestinian homes without “prior warning”.
Our correspondent in Israel explains why all this has happened now – and what the consequences could be.
Guest: Anshel Pfeffer, Times correspondent in Israel.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Get in touch: storiesofourtimes@thetimes.co.uk
Clips: BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera English, NewsNation.
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