Israel was already known for having lots of firearms. But since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the Israeli government has moved to loosen gun restrictions and fast-track permits for civilians.

As Israel says troops have entered a key southern Gaz city as part of the expanding war on Hamas, it's facing urgent calls from abroad and from hostages' families to cease fire.

Israel's military bombarded southern Gaza's main city in what it said was the fiercest fighting since it began a ground invasion to eliminate Hamas five weeks ago, while the U.S. again pressed Israel to minimise Palestinian civilian casualties.