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.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel was a shocking breach of Israeli defence technology, which is among the world's most renowned. But things weren’t exactly easy before the war. Investment in Israeli startups plunged amid a global tech sector turndown and domestic political turmoil. Many young tech industry workers have now been drafted.

To counter potential enemy missiles, Israel can count on its aerial defence shield known as the "Iron Dome". According to several sources close to the Israeli ministry of defence, Israel could also decide to deploy another air defence laser system, called "Iron Beam", earlier than expected.

The Israeli military is one of the best-trained armies in the world when it comes to urban warfare. But even the best training can only begin to prepare it for the type of combat it would face in Gaza.

The German chancellor expressed support for Egypt's efforts to mediate in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Meta is expanding its enforcement of its policies against violent posts and misinformation amid the Israel-Hamas war. It has created a special operations center with experts fluent in Hebrew and Arabic. Meta said it has temporarily lowered the threshold to trigger its technology that prevents "potentially violating and borderline content" from being amplified across its services.

U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for meetings with Israeli leaders during a Middle East trip that was upended by a strike on a Gaza hospital on Tuesday (October 17) in which hundreds of Palestinians were killed.

The Iron Dome, or "Kippat Barzel" in Hebrew, is widely regarded as one of the most important tools in Israel's arsenal. In part, that's because it is thought to be highly effective. The mobile all-weather defense system is designed to protect Israeli citizens by launching guided missiles to intercept incoming rockets in mid-air.

Speaking during a meeting in Marrakech, the International Monetary Fund's managing director said the war between Israel and Hamas was a "new cloud" that was "darkening" the global economic outlook. Kristalina Georgieva said her organisation was monitoring the situation "very closely", although it was too soon to say what specific economic impact the conflict may have.

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Israel's former premier Ehud Barak said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has neither the trust of the Israeli people nor that of the army following a devastating attack by Hamas last week. He also said Israel had no choice but to launch a ground offensive in Gaza in response if it wants to defeat Hamas definitively.

Germany's foreign ministry issued a travel warning for the countries and territories involved in the Israel-Hamas war on Sunday.