Hamas-Israel conflict: Could it spread to the wider region?

MIDDLE EAST MATTERS © FRANCE 24

Hamas fighters on Saturday launched an unprecedented deadly assault on Israel, catching Israeli intelligence services off-guard. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed the militant group will pay a heavy price. As Israel responds with force, razing whole districts in Gaza, the Hamas-run Palestinian enclave, residents there are being left with nowhere to go. Amid the loss of life on both sides, the conflict risks spreading to the wider region. In this special edition of Middle East Matters, we get analysis from Professor Yossi Mekelberg of London's Chatham House think-tank. We also take a closer look at the history of Hamas.