Middle East crisis

Profiles & Guides

• Five years' capture in Gaza

  As Israelis mark five years since hostage Gilad Shalit was abducted in Gaza, the BBC's Yolande Knell looks at the campaign to secure his release.

• Q&A: Gilad Shalit release deal

• Who are Hamas?

• Who are Fatah?

• Guide: Palestinian statehood bid

• ME talks: Where they stand

• History of Mid-East peace talks

• Q&A: Resuming direct talks

• Jerusalem's troubled geography

• Q&A: Raid on flotilla

• Q&A: Israeli Arabs

• Guide: Iron Dome

• Guide: Eased Gaza blockade

• Guide: West Bank barrier

• Q&A: Hamas leader's assassination