Hamas assault: dozens dead in fighting, retaliation; US condemns attack on Israel

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 dozens 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 70 people were killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.

An unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized and taken into Gaza, an enormously sensitive issue for Israel.

At least 198 people in the Gaza Strip have been killed in Israel's retaliation and at least 1,610 wounded, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden in a telephonic conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed its support to Israel

Also Watch: Meghalaya citizens stranded in Israel's Bethlehem: CM Conrad Sangma