German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has emphasized Israel's right to self-defense. However, she said it must wage its fight against the militant group Hamas within the framework of international law.

In this special edition of Middle East Matters, we focus on the regional repercussions of the Israel-Hamas war. The October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel have placed Arab nations which have peace treaties with Israel in the awkward position of trying to honour their commitments under those deals, while they face mounting pro-Palestinian support from their people on the streets.

Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) released footage on Wednesday they said showed their forces stopping a sea attack attempt by Hamas.

African demonstrations in support of the Palestinians caught in the Israel-Hamas war continue. In South Africa, members of the Jewish community say they don't feel much local compassion over the mass killings in Israel that triggered the latest escalation in the Middle East. Also, over six months of war in Sudan have sent more than a million refugees fleeing over the borders looking for safety.

We take a look at press reaction to two more hostages being released by Hamas, as well as the US and EU disagreeing on the need for a ceasefire. Also, the Washington Post has a long read on the spread of malaria. Finally, thousands of Icelandic women, including PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir, stage a walkout in protest against gender inequality in the country.

Israel has kept up a steady barrage of airstrikes against the Gaza Strip since the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinians have taken their despair and anger to the streets.

Experts say both Israel and Hamas have breached international humanitarian law, which dictates what can and cannot be done in times of conflict. But have or will either side be held accountable? For a closer look at the legal situation, Marco Sassoli, an international law professor at the University of Geneva, joined us on Perspective.

International outcry is mounting as Hamas keeps some 200 civilians and soldiers hostage. While details have remained murky, recent statements shed light on the militant group's aims.

The social media giants have until October 25 to assure the European Commission they are cracking down on problematic content. It follows a similar move against Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Germany's Frankfurt Book Fair is being overshadowed by the conflict in the Middle East, as different publishers from predominantly Muslim countries pull out of the event.

In this special edition of Middle East Matters, we look at the media war being played out in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Researchers who study mis- and disinformation warn that fake stories are spreading fast, adding to the digital fog of war. We talk to FRANCE 24's Catalina Marchant de Abreu, presenter of our Truth or Fake show.

Israel's regional neighbors are expressing shock and grief after a blast at a hospital in Gaza killed nearly 500 people. Some observers are cautiously optimistic that the tragedy could lead to renewed restraint.