Why did Hamas strike now? And where could the conflict go next?

Published: Oct. 9, 2023, 3:43 p.m.

b'After the deadliest attack on its people in more than 50 years, Israel has now hit back.

A siege has been ordered on Gaza as an aerial bombardment continues, following Hamas\\u2019 shocking weekend assault by land, air and sea.

So, what made this attack so different from what we\\u2019ve seen before? Why did Hamas strike now? And how did Israel get caught out so badly?

From Tel Aviv, ITV News Senior International Correspondent John Irvine tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know\\u2026'