Briefing
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_WOT923.png)
Israel’s war on Hamas
Mapping the destruction in Gaza
At least 4.3% of the enclave’s buildings appear to have been destroyed
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_FBP003.jpg)
When the shooting stops
Israel’s four unpalatable options for Gaza’s long-term future
The path to Israel’s preferred outcome is littered with obstacles
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_FBP001.jpg)
No place for a war
As Israel’s invasion of Gaza nears, the obstacles get more daunting
It must avoid a second front, protect civilians and save hostages while fighting at close quarters
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_MAP504.jpg)
Maelstrom in the Middle East
The Arab world thinks differently about this war
But Israel’s evidence about a hospital strike still carries little weight
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231113_WOT999.png)
The war in maps
Mapping Israel’s war in Gaza
Our satellite tracking of the conflict with Hamas, updated regularly
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_MAP503.jpg)
The view from the Kremlin
Vladimir Putin’s plan to profit from the Israel-Hamas war
Russia and China spy an opportunity to distract and discredit America
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_MAP502.jpg)
Tunnel vision
Hamas tunnels under Gaza will be a key battlefield for Israel
Underground warfare is terrifying, claustrophobic and slow
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231021_FBP501.jpg)
Heavy weaponry
Israel’s tank commanders are studying Russia’s mistakes
Armour will be central to a Gaza invasion, despite its vulnerabilities
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231014_MAP515.jpg)
The coming ground invasion
Is Israel acting within the laws of war?
Even lawful evacuations and attacks on Hamas will exact a heavy civilian toll in Gaza
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231014_WOT987.png)
The darkest day
Hamas’s attack was the bloodiest in Israel’s history
More Jews were killed on October 7th than on any day since the Holocaust
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231014_FBP001.jpg)
From shock to fury
Hamas’s atrocities and Israel’s retaliation will change both sides for ever
The miscalculations of Israel’s and Gaza’s leaders are being laid bare
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/media-assets/image/20231014_FBP004.jpg)
Resisting the call, for now
Hamas has failed to rally the Middle East to its cause
But it has managed to demolish America’s plans for the region