In this podcast, expert on the Middle East and former Australian ambassador to Lebanon Ian Parmeter joins The Conversation to analyse the conflict so far; explaining its background and ramifications.

Hamas named its action ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’, which emphasises what it sees as Israeli acts of desecration of a holy Islamic site in Jerusalem.

Israelis will consider it critically important to reclaim their country’s military deterrence capabilities against Hamas, which may necessitate a military takeover of Gaza.

The findings reveal a close association between climatic conditions and early human migrations out of Africa.