What is Hamas, how does it control the Gaza Strip and why has Israel declared war?

Summary

KEY POINTS:

1. Hamas opposes Israel's Gaza occupation.
2. The Gaza Strip lies between Israel and Egypt.
3. Conflict ignited by a Hamas attack amid deep-rooted tensions.
4. Australia officially designates Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

NOTE THIS FROM 2022: 17 FEB 2022 ABC AUSTRALIA--Hamas to be listed in entirety as a terrorist organisation by Australian government - ABC News   ..........The military wing of Hamas was already listed by Australia, but the federal government will now join the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel and others in extending the designation to the fundamentalist Islamic group's political branch.

References

• Media Check: ABC News Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Media Bias Fact Check(High Credibility)
• The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
• ADDITIONAL READING RAAF RUNWAY (PME)
• RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC