The Hamas surprise attack on Israel has killed at least 200 and wounded 1,100, Israel's rescue service says. At least 232 Palestinians have been killed after Israel launched air strikes in Gaza in retaliation.
Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented surprise early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday on Saturday, killing hundreds and stunning the country.
Israel said it is now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to inflict an 'unprecedented price'. Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities hours after the incursion began.
Israel’s national rescue service said at least 200 people were killed and 1,100 wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years. READ MORE: Sunak says Israel has ‘right to defend itself’ as Netanyahu warns ‘we are at war’ READ MORE: 'Massive shooting of rockets' amid unprecedented Hamas operation against Israel An unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized and taken into Gaza, an enormously sensitive issue for Israel.