Can it 'win' this war? After the murder and capture of Israeli citizens by Hamas, experts think Israel will respond with a ground invasion which could rupture the fabric of the entire region.
Israel’s warning as Gaza invasion looms
Threats: One Israeli defence official said that Gaza would be "razed to the ground". Glossary
Stalemate - A position in chess where neither player can win. It derives from the Old English stale, meaning a position, and Persian mat, meaning dead.
Palestine - An area located in the Southern Levant region of Western Asia.
Gaza strip - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by Israel and Egypt.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Reservists - A member of a military reserve force. In peacetime, they have non-military jobs.
Mobilised - When soldiers are quickly prepared and organised to fight.
Comparatively - In comparison to another thing.
Hezbollah - A militant organisation based in Lebanon, classified in the UK as a terrorist group. It has made direct attacks on Israel and is believed to have been responsible for assassinating Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
Ally - A person or group that cooperates with or supports another for a common purpose.
Redundant - Not needed any more. Someone who is made redundant loses their job because their work is not needed.