As the Israel-Hamas War unfolds, here is some context on terms you may be hearing in the news, so that you can navigate and understand the latest developments…

The Gaza Strip: The 25-mile-long,narrow enclave bordersthe Mediterranean Sea, Israel, and Egypt. It’s one of two Palestinian territories —the other being the Israeli-occupied West Bank — andis home to more than 2 million Palestinians.In 2007, Hamas seized control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority. However, Israel has maintained control of Gaza’s airspace and shoreline — even after withdrawing all of its troops and settlers from the territory in 2005.

A blockade on Gaza: Since 2007, Gaza has been under an Israeli air, sea, and land blockade that restricts the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory. Israel says the blockade — backed by Egypt — is necessary to protect Israelis from Hamas and to stop the flow of weapons. However, human rights groupssay the blockade violates international law andsome call Gaza an “open-air prison.”

Hamas: The Islamist militant group was founded in 1987.Hamas — the Arabic acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement — launched Saturday’s attackand controls Gaza.In its founding charter,Hamas called for the annihilation of Israel and replacing it with an Islamic state. The US and EU have designated Hamas a terrorist organization.

IDF: Short for the Israel Defense Forces.The majority of Israelis are required to serve in the military when they turn 18, with men serving 32 months and women serving two years. After that, most are in the reserves and can be called to serve up until the age of 40.Following the Hamas attack, Israel called about 360,000 reservistsfrom around the world.

The Iron Dome: Israel’s missile defense system, which has cost the US nearly $3 billion in investments. The Israeli military says the system has been able to intercept most of the 5,000+ rockets that Hamas has fired at Israel since the attack began Saturday. In the past, the Israeli army and others have accused Hamas of launching rockets from or near schools, mosques, and other residential areas.

The West Bank: The Israeli-occupied area is home to more than 2 million Palestinians. It’s partly governed by the Palestinian Authority. Israel’s efforts to expand settlements in the West Bank have led to rising tensions. There are reportedly more than 130 settlements — with more than 400,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

A complete siege: In this case, Israel is blocking the entry of water, food, and fuel into Gaza. The territory’s only power plant has already run out of fuel. Despite concerns over Gaza’s dwindling supplies, an Israeli official says the siege won’t end until hostages are released.