Massive Hamas attack on Israel leaves hundreds dead

Fighters of the Palestinian movement Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. Under cover of a massive rocket barrage, they infiltrated several communities and military bases in the south of the country.

According to the Israeli authorities, hundreds of people were killed and thousands wounded. The attackers took hostages to Gaza, among them women, children and elderly people.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war. The Israeli air force struck targets in the Gaza Strip.

The UN Security Council will hold emergency consultations. Several international airlines cancelled flights to Tel Aviv.