We live updates on the massive operation by Hamas against Israel on 7 October has concluded. Join us tomorrow for more updates on the developments on the ground.

Israeli forces flattened a building in Gaza

The Israeli airstrike targeted the Al Watan tower in Gaza. The building is hosted offices for media and civilian organisations.

لحظة استهداف برج وطن وتدميره بالكامل pic.twitter.com/0OSs9Rby3R

— وائل أبو عمر 🇵🇸 (@WaelAboOmer) October 8, 2023

Twelve Palestinians were killed after Israeli air strikes on Beit Hanoun

The strike targeted two home in north Gaza killing at least twelve and injuring others in the early hours of Sunday.

Media reports: Death toll in Israel climbs to over 300. 

Israel Defence Forces spokesperson confirms 50 Israeli hostages freed in Kibbutz Be'eri. 

Up to 50 Israelis who were being held hostage by Hamas have been freed, according to an Israel Defence Forces spokesperson. The hostages were held in the dining hall of Kibbutz Be'eri in southern Israel. IDF spokesperson confirmed the situation has been "neutralised". 

Head of Sderot settlement: Gaza must be occupied and its residents exterminated

In a statement to Israeli Channel 12, Alon Davidi the head of the Sderot settlement, called for the occupation of the besieged Gaza Strip, adding, “They must be killed, they must be exterminated.” 

Palestinian killed in clashes with Israelis in West Bank

A Palestinian was killed on Friday during clashes with Israelis in the occupied West Bank town of Huwara, where renewed Israeli aggression during his funeral left nine others hospitalised.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue tonight targeting residential areas in the besieged strip. 

Smoke and flames rise from buildings in Gaza after Israeli forces airstrikes. 

Netanyahu says security cabinet approved decisions to destroy military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

US says 'too early' to tell if Iran directly involved in Hamas attack on Israel

A senior White House official said Saturday it was "too early to say" whether Israel's arch foe Iran was "directly involved" in the large-scale attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

However, there was "no doubt Hamas is funded, equipped and armed by Iran and others," he added, as the conflict between the two sides escalated to its bloodiest point in decades.

Number of Israelis taken prisoner 'several times greater' than dozens - Hamas spokesperson

The total number of Israelis captured by Hamas in a surprise attack on Israeli towns on Saturday was "several times greater" than dozens, a spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas said in a recording aired shortly after midnight on Sunday.

The spokesman said those taken captive were spread throughout all areas of the Gaza strip. 

Major airlines cancel dozens of flights to Tel Aviv

Major airlines cancelled dozens of flights to Tel Aviv this weekend after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale attack against Israel.

On the arrivals board at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair and Aegan Airlines were among those pulling flights.

However airport authorities did not stop commercial air links with Eilat, Israel's second international airport and tourist destination on the Red Sea.

Saudi FM tells Blinken kingdom rejects targeting of unarmed civilians

 Saudi Arabia said on Saturday its foreign minister had told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the kingdom rejects the targeting of unarmed civilians "in any way".

Prince Faisal bin Farhan also called for "concerted efforts to calm the situation and avoid further violence," the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement. 

Egypt in talks with Saudi Arabia and Jordan to defuse Palestinian-Israeli conflict

Egypt is in talks with Saudi Arabia and Jordan in a bid to defuse Palestinian-Israeli tensions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Saturday.

Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry, in phone calls with his Saudi and Jordanian counterparts, underlined the importance of "uniting international and regional efforts" to contain the escalating violence, a statement read.

Abbas tells Blinken injustice towards Palestinians driving conflict to 'explosion'

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that "injustice" towards Palestinians is driving the conflict with Israel to an "explosion", Palestinian news agency WAFA said on Saturday.

In a phone call, Abbas also said the ongoing escalation is down to the "practices of the colonialists and the Israeli occupation forces, and the aggression against Islamic and Christian sanctities," according to WAFA. 

Israel army to 'use all force to destroy Hamas': Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to avenge what he said was a "black day" for Israel Saturday, saying the army will strike back at Hamas in Gaza with full force.

"The IDF (army) is about to use all its force to destroy Hamas's capabilities," Netanyahu said in a brief televised statement.

"We'll strike them to the bitter end and avenge with force this black day they brought on Israel and its people," he said, after Hamas militants launched a surprise dawn attack, sending hundreds of militants into Israel under cover of a huge rocket barrage.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said Saturday Hamas was on the "verge of a great victory"

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said Saturday Hamas was on the "verge of a great victory" after it launched a surprise attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. "We are on the verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front," Haniyeh said in a speech broadcast on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television. "Enough is enough, the cycle of intifadas and revolutions in the battle to liberate our Palestinian land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons must be completed."

According to Israeli TV: At least 200 Israelis have died in Hamas attacks.

Biden express anger and shock over Hamas action

President Joe Biden made it clear in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support," according to the White House. In the immediate term the U.S. would work with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, among Arab partners in the region, to try to deescalate the situation.

Gaza Health Ministry: 232 Palestinians killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza.

According to Israeli news reports: At least 200 Israelis have died in Hamas attacks.

Israel halts electricity supply to Gaza: energy minister

Israel ordered its state-run electricity company to halt supply to the Gaza Strip on Saturday after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, the energy minister said.

"I have signed an order instructing (Israel) Electric Company to stop the electricity supply to Gaza," Energy Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

Hamas says dozens of Israeli soldiers captured

A spokesman for the Hamas military wing, Abu Obaida, has said that his group captured "dozens of Israeli officers and soldiers" and had "secured them inside Gaza", TNA's Gaza correspondent said.

Hamas leader Haniyeh says Israel can't provide protection for Arab countries

Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, told fellow Arab countries that Israel cannot provide them with any protection.

In a speech on Saturday, Haniyeh also said armed Palestinian factions intend to expand the ongoing battle in Gaza to the West Bank and Jerusalem.

"The battle moved into the heart of the 'zionist entity'" he said.

Nurse, ambulance worker killed in Gaza attacks: MSF

Israeli attacks hit the Indonesian hospital and an ambulance in front of the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, the medics organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has said.

“The strikes killed one nurse, one ambulance driver, injured several and damaged an oxygen station,” MSF said on X.

“Healthcare facilities cannot become targets. We ask all parties to respect health infrastructures, which must remain a sanctuary for people seeking treatment,” the group said.

"The scale of this new round of hostilities must not be underestimated, with Palestinian and Israeli authorities reporting massive casualties all over Israel and Gaza," it added.

Following the escalation between Israel and Gaza, Israeli forces struck the enclave's Indonesian hospital and an ambulance in front of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. The strikes killed one nurse, one ambulance driver, injured several and damaged an oxygen station.

— MSF International (@MSF) October 7, 2023

Israel confirms soldiers kidnapped by Hamas

Hamas have kidnapped Israeli "soldiers and civilians" during their ground incursion from Gaza, the Israeli army said.

"There are kidnapped soldiers and civilians. I can't give figures about them at the moment. It's a war crime committed by Hamas and they will pay the price".

Fighting ongoing at 22 locations near Gaza: Israeli military spokesman

The spokesman said fighting was continuing at nearly a dozen locations near the division between Gaza and Israel, according to the Reuters news agency.

He said Israeli soldiers and commanders have been killed and prisoners of war have been taken.

UN Security Council to meet on Sunday

The United Nations Security Council is set to meet on Sunday in the wake of the Hamas attacks and continuing Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the attack by Hamas and urged “all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration”, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned for the civilian population and urges maximum restraint. Civilians must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times,” Dujarric said.

Morocco voices concern

"The Kingdom of Morocco expresses its deep concern at the deterioration of the situation and the outbreak of military action in the Gaza Strip, and condemns attacks against civilians wherever they may be," a foreign ministry statement said.

Morocco normalised relations with Israel in 2020 under the controversial US-brokered deal

Israeli warplanes strike residential buildings in Gaza City

Israeli warplanes struck a residential building in the Al-Nasr neighbourhood in Gaza City, completely destroying the building, TNA's correspondent in Gaza Strip has said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the Israeli strike.

Israeli warplanes fired multiple missiles at a five-story residential building located near the Al-Quds Open University in the Al-Nasr neighbourhood, resulting in the complete destruction of the building.

The attack on the residential building is the latest in a series of airstrikes that have targeted civilian infrastructure in the enclave.

Arab League Secretary-General calls for immediate halt to Israeli attack in Gaza

The Secretary-General of the Arab League,

has called for an immediate cessation of the military operations in Gaza, warning that Israel's continued aggressive and extremist policies serve as a ticking time bomb that deprives the region of any genuine prospects for stability in the foreseeable future.

Aboul Gheit said the international community bears full responsibility for the current situation, given the absence of any meaningful response to the provocative policies of Israel's right-wing government.

These policies not only target the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, he said, but also undermine the two-state solution, seeking to thwart the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.

UN chief urges efforts to avoid 'wider conflagration' after attack on Israel

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges diplomatic efforts in the Middle East in order to prevent the conflict from widening further.

"The Secretary-General urges all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration," Guterres said, adding that "only through negotiation leading to a two-state solution can peace be achieved."

Fighting continues in 25 locations by Gaza border: Hamas

The armed wing of Hamas says that fighting with the Israeli army is ongoing in 25 different locations inside Israeli cities, TNA's correspondent reported.

"Our fighters were able to cross the enemy's defence line under intense missile cover and the targeting of the enemy's command and control system," the statement said.

"Based on simultaneous coordination, Hamas fighters attacked more than 50 sites in the Gaza border and southern Israel," the statement said, adding that "heroic battles" were currently taking place at the Raim base.

UN peacekeeping force says has enhanced 'counter rocket-launching operations' in south Lebanon

The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says it has enhanced its presence in its areas of operations near Lebanon's southern border with Israel, including "counter rocket-launching operations".

There have been fears of spillover since Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel.

Israeli death toll reaches 100: reports

Israeli army radio has reported that 100 Israelis were killed and over 1000 injured in the major Hamas attack on Saturday.

Health Ministry raises Palestinian Death Toll to 198

The Palestinian health ministry has raised the death toll of Israeli strikes on Gaza to 198, with 1618 people injured

Pentagon vows Israel will have 'what it needs to defend itself'

The Pentagon reaffirmed the United States' "unwavering" commitment to Israel's right to defend itself and vowed to make sure the key US ally had the means to do so.

"Our commitment to Israel's right to defend itself remains unwavering," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement, adding that his agency would work "to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism."

Ending Israeli occupation only way for peace: Palestinian foreign ministry

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory is the only guarantee for "security, stability and peace" in the region.

"We have repeatedly warned of the consequences of a deadlock in the political horizon and not granting the Palestinian people their legitimate right to self-determination and their state,"  the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"We have also warned of the consequences of the daily provocations and attacks, the continued terrorism of settlers and occupation forces, and the raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Christian and Islamic holy sites," the statement added.

"What guarantees security, stability and peace in our region is ending the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the 1967 lines, and recognizing the people’s right to independence and sovereignty."

At least 160 Palestinians killed by Israeli bombing of Gaza

At least 160 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air attacks launched after a Hamas offensive against Israel killed at least 40.

The number of wounded Palestinians exceeded 1,000, medical sources in Gaza told Al Jazeera.

Qatar expresses 'deep concern', holds Israel responsible for escalation

Qatar expressed "deep concern" over the developments in the Gaza Strip, calling on all parties to halt the escalation and exercise maximum restraint.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Israel was "solely responsible for the ongoing escalation due to its continuous violations of the rights of the Palestinian people, including its recent repeated intrusions into the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the Israeli police".

It called on the international community "to compel Israel to stop its blatant violations of international law, hold it accountable to respect legitimate international decisions and the historical rights of the Palestinian people, and prevent these events from being used as a pretext to ignite a new disproportionate war against Palestinian civilians in Gaza".

The statement reaffirmed Qatar's "consistent position in support of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

بيان| قطر تعرب عن قلقها من تطورات الأوضاع في قطاع غزة وتدعو لوقف التصعيد والتهدئة#الخارجية_القطرية pic.twitter.com/AewasqZsWK

— الخارجية القطرية (@MofaQatar_AR) October 7, 2023

Lebanon's Hezbollah hails Hamas for 'heroic operation'

Lebanon's Hezbollah praised Hamas for its "heroic operation" in a statement.

"Hezbollah congratulates the resisting Palestinian people," the Lebanese Shia movement said in a statement, hailing Hamas and its armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, for the "large-scale, heroic operation".

Hezbollah said its leadership was following the developments and "in direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance at home and abroad".

Hezbollah said the Hamas operation in Israel was a "response to the continued crimes of the occupation and the continued assault on holy sites".

The Iran-backed group also said the Hamas operation was "a message to the Arab and Muslim world and the entire international community, especially those seeking normalisation".

In 2006 Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day war that left more than 1,200 dead in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 160 in Israel, mostly soldiers.

UN calls for immediate halt to violence in Gaza

The United Nation's High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate halt to violence in Gaza.

Volker Tuerk said he was shocked by reports that hundreds of rockets had been fired towards Israel and reports that Israeli civilians have been taken hostage.

"This attack is having a horrific impact on Israeli civilians," Tuerk said in a statement. "Civilians must never be the target of attack."

He called on Israel to take precautions to avoid civilian casualties as it responded to the attacks with air strikes into Gaza.

"I call for an immediate stop to the violence, and appeal to all sides and key countries in the region to de-escalate to avoid further bloodshed," Tuerk said.

European leaders voice solidarity with Israel

The head of the European Union’s executive commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the attack "is terrorism in its most despicable form".

She said: "Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks."

German Chancellor OIaf Scholz said that Hamas rocket fire and the escalating violence "shock us deeply". He added that "Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands beside Israel".

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that he "firmly" condemns the attacks against Israel and expressed "my full solidarity with the victims, their families and their loved ones".

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy’s government condemns the attacks on Israel "with utmost firmness".

"At risk are the life of people, the security of the region and the resumption of any kind of political process," Tajani said in a post on X platform.

Hamas releases video showing 3 men captured by its fighters

Hamas releases a video showing its fighters had captured three men who were dressed in civilian clothes.

"Scenes of Al-Qassam Brigades capturing a number of enemy soldiers in the battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," said a sentence appearing on a black background at the start of the video.

Signs in Hebrew in the background suggested the footage was filmed on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Other videos circulating on social media showed bodies of a number of people in military fatigues as well as dead motorists and passengers on a highway.

None of the footage could immediately be independently verified by The New Arab.

Adviser to Iran supreme leader says 'proud' of Hamas attack on Israel

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has congratulated Palestinian fighters for launching the biggest attack on Israel in years, the semi-official ISNA news site has reported.

“We congratulate the Palestinian fighters,” it quoted Rahim Safavi as saying.

“We will stand by the Palestinian fighters until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.”

Saudi Arabia urges restraint, calls for immediate halting of operations on both sides

Saudi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying the kingdom was closely monitoring the “unprecedented developments between several Palestinian factions and the Israeli occupation forces, which resulted in an escalation of violence on several fronts”.

It said Riyadh calls for an immediate cessation of fire on both sides, urging for the protection of civilians and self-restraint.

It added that Saudi Arabia reiterated repeated warnings of the dangers of the situation due to the ongoing occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights and the repeated deliberate provocations against their sanctities.

It said that Saudi Arabia renewed its call to the international community to fulfil its duties and activate a credible peace process leading to a two-state solution to reach security and peace in the region and to protect civilians.

Ben-Gvir declares state of national emergency across Israel

The Minister of National Security in the Israeli Occupation, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has mandated a state of emergency for all cities, according to Israeli media.

Haaretz reported him as issuing orders to recruit all police volunteers.

Israeli forces unable to regain control in Gaza border areas captured by Hamas

The Israeli forces have not gained control in any of the locations that were infiltrated by Hamas fighters in southern Israel.

Israeli residents are still in shelters as Israeli media reports that no Israeli security forces are on site.

Egypt and Turkey call for 'restraint'

Egypt has warned of "grave consequences" from an escalation in tensions, according to a statement from the foreign ministry carried by the state news agency.

It called for "exercising maximum restraint and avoiding exposing civilians to further danger".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also urged parties “to act with restraint … and to stay away from impulsive steps that will escalate tensions”.

Speaking to his ruling party congress in Ankara, Erdogan separately urged against “any kind of attempt” to harm the “historical and religious status” of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

Netanyahu says Israel 'at war'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel was at war after the unprecedented Hamas attack.

"Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack on Israel and its citizens," Netanyahu said in his "first on-the-record reaction released in a post five hours after the Hamas launched a surprise attack", according to YNet news site.

"I've instructed first of all to clear the terrorists from communities they had infiltrated into, and that is in progress. I've ordered an extensive callup of reserves to respond in a war the enemy has never seen before. We are at war, and we will emerge triumphant," he said.

Netanyahu spoke after a security briefing at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling on Israelis to adhere to instructions from the Home Front Command.

Hamas releases footage of reported Israeli deaths

Hamas has released footage of what it said were Israeli deaths, showing at least 14 soldiers killed as its fighters infiltrated southern Israel from the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run, Gaza-based Al-Aqsa Satellite TV aired the graphic footage showing in separate videos what appears to be dead bodies of Israeli soldiers in military outfits scattered on the ground in different places.

At least 22 Israelis killed, dozens injured

At least 22 Israelis have been killed so far by the Hamas attack on Israel, according to Israel's N12 news outlet.

Israeli medical sources say 500 injured have been taken to hospital, and 40 were reportedly in serious condition.

Israel says Gaza fighters entered Israel by land, sea and air

Israel's army said the Palestinian fighters entered Israel by land, sea and air using paragliders.

"It was a combined ground raid which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground," army spokesman Richard Hecht said.

"Right now we're fighting. We're fighting in certain locations around the Gaza Strip... our forces are now fighting on the ground" in Israel, he added.

Hecht confirmed there are casualties but would not be drawn on details, nor discuss reports that multiple Israelis had been captured by Palestinian militants.

Thousands of military reservists are set to be drawn up for Gaza, as well as northern Israel, near foes Lebanon and Syria, and the occupied West Bank.

"We're looking at all arenas... we understand this is something big," Hecht said.

Israeli army launches ‘Operation Iron Swords’

Israeli army announces it has launched "Operation Iron Swords" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in response to attacks from the territory.

Israeli raids have started, TNA's correspondent in the Gaza Strip has said, adding that explosions were being heard in Gaza city.

'We are waging the battle of honour': Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh

Head of Hamas' political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, has issued a statement on the latest attack on Israel.

"The enemy besieging Gaza has planned to surprise it and escalate the aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip, in addition to the settlement and aggression that continues every moment in the West Bank, which seeks to uproot our people and expel them from their land, and the crimes of the occupation against our people in the 1948s, as it stands behind all the killing and assassination operations there, and the occupation’s continuation of detaining our prisoners for decades, and reneging on agreements when he re-arrested those liberated from the swap deal.

"For all of this, we are waging a battle of honour, resistance and dignity to defend Al-Aqsa, under the title that was announced by Brother Commander-in-Chief Abu Khaled Al-Deif, 'Al-Aqsa Flood'.

This flood began in Gaza and will extend to the West Bank and abroad, and every place where our people and nation are present."

In pictures: Scenes from Hamas operation against Israel

Here's what you need to know

The latest developments so far:

• The Palestinian armed group Hamas has launched "Operation Al Aqsa Flood" against Israel, its biggest surprise attack in decades
• The operation started with Hamas firing thousands of rockets towards Israel. Several casualties were reported
• Israeli military radio said Palestinian fighters from Gaza had "infiltrated" Israel
• Pictures show armed men on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into Israeli territory
• There is also footage of Palestinian fighters taking Israelis hostage
• The Israeli army has urged people living near the border with Gaza to remain indoors and Israel’s defence minister has approved the call-up of military reservists
• The commander of Hamas’s military wing has called on armed groups in Lebanon to join the fight against Israel

Airports close in southern and central Israel: Local media

Local airports in central and southern Israel have been closed for commercial and leisurely use, according to Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

Ben Gurion Airport will remain operational and will act according to security instructions and guidelines, a report said.

Israel closes the river crossing with Jordan, and all checkpoints around Jerusalem

Israel closes the Allenby Bridge crossing with Jordan - known officially in Jordan as the King Hussein Bridge, and Al-Karameh Bridge by Palestinians.

Israel also closed all checkpoints around occupied East Jerusalem, according to TNA's correspondent in Palestine.

Checkpoints around East Jerusalem including Qalandia, Hizma and Al-Ze'iem were also closed.

No movement is allowed in and out of the West Bank, TNA's correspondent added.

Israeli army declares ‘state of readiness for war’

The Israeli army says it has declared a “state of readiness for war”.

“In the last hour, a massive firing of rockets into Israeli territory from Gaza began, and terrorists penetrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations,” a statement by the Israeli army social media platform X.

“Hamas … which is behind this attack, will bear the results and responsibility for the events,” it said.

Rare public statement by Hamas leader

Here are excerpts from the statement of Mohammed Deif, head of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas:

“We have already warned the enemy before. The occupation committed hundreds of massacres against civilians. Hundreds of martyrs and wounded died this year due to the crimes of the occupation.

“We announce the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and we announce that the first strike, which targeted enemy positions, airports, and military fortifications, exceeded 5,000 missiles and shells.”

Palestinian fighters infiltrated Israel from Gaza: Israeli army

The Israeli army says a number of Palestinian fighters "have infiltrated" Israel from the Gaza Strip, without providing further information.

"Residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip have been asked to stay in their homes," the army said in a statement.

Israeli woman killed by Gaza rocket: Medics

An Israeli woman has been killed by a rocket fired from Gaza, Israel ambulance service says.

Over 5,000 rockets fired as 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' begins: Hamas armed wing

More than 5,000 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel early today, Hamas' armed wing said, declaring it had started "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood".

"We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," the group said.

"We announce Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and we fired, in the first strike of 20 minutes, more than 5,000 rockets."