Categories: World

Israel strikes Hamas in Gaza after surprise attack, exchanges fire with Hezbollah

close Video

Israel retaliatory blasts strike Gaza overnight

Israels retaliatory blasts seen lighting up the sky in Gaza overnight (Reuters)

Israeli forces launched retaliatory strikes against Hamas terrorists in Gaza on Sunday after a surprise barrage of thousands of rockets hit southern Israel, while also trading fire with Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in the north.

Israeli soldiers battled Hamas fighters in the streets of southern Israel a day after Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists invaded the area and launched rockets from the Gaza Strip, killing at least 300 Israelis and wounding at least 1500 others, according to Fox News.

Israel struck 426 targets in Gaza, blasting residential buildings to the ground, including a 14-story tower that held dozens of apartments as well as Hamas offices in central Gaza City. Israeli forces fired a warning just before the strike.

Among the 313 killed in Gaza were 20 children, and close to 2,000 wounded, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

LIVE UPDATES: 300 DEAD, ISRAELI PM NETANYAHU DECLARES ‘WAR’ AFTER HAMAS TERRORISTS LAUNCH MASSIVE ATTACK

An Israeli airstrike struck Gaza City on Saturday after Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Meanwhile, Israel’s northern border came under attack Sunday as Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and shells at three Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border. Israel’s military returned fire using armed drones.

  • next Image 1 of 3

    People stand outside a mosque destroyed in an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Sunday. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)

  • prev next Image 2 of 3

    Palestinians walk by the rubble of a building after it was struck by an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City on Sunday. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

  • prev Image 3 of 3

    Palestinians inspect the rubble of a building after it was struck by an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City on Sunday. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

During Saturday’s incursion, Hamas fighters reportedly captured women, children and the elderly. 

An Egyptian official told the Associated Press, “It’s clear that they have a big number — several dozens” of hostages. The official said Palestinian leaders claimed that they don’t yet have a “full picture” of hostages, and those who were brought into Gaza were taken to “secure locations” across the territory.

Video

SCOTT SAYS US MUST STAND ‘SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER’ WITH ISRAEL AFTER HAMAS TERROR ATTACK: ‘NEVER BACK DOWN’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war following the surprise attack on Israel, vowing that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” He warned, “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”

Deputy head of the Hamas political bureau, Saleh al-Arouri, told Al-Jazeera TV that it had planned for a long fight. 

“We are prepared for all options, including all-out war,” al-Arouri, said. “We are ready to do whatever is necessary for the dignity and freedom of our people.”

Video

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Biden administration “unequivocally” condemned terrorist organization Hamas on Saturday amid its unprecedented and “appalling” assaults against Israel. President Biden and senior administration officials stressed that the United States “stands with Israel.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share

Recent Posts

Police take down stabbing, arson suspect at Maryland’s National Harbor

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 20 Fox News Flash top headlines…

58 minutes ago

Children’s author says his faith-based books are a way to fight the culture war: ‘Kids are on the frontline’

As Easter serves as a reminder of renewal and hope for many in the Christian…

1 hour ago

Jasmine Crockett slammed for comparing Trump to MS-13 member: ‘Complete lunatic’

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, took social media heat after arguing that President Donald Trump is…

1 hour ago

GRAPHIC LANGUAGE: Congresswoman’s profane supermarket argument with constituent caught on camera

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., recorded a confrontation with a voter over when the conservative lawmaker…

3 hours ago

Skyrocketing antisemitism in Canada sparks concern for country’s Jews ahead of election

close Video Anti-Israel protests in Canada File showing anti-Israel demonstrators during a protest in Toronto…

5 hours ago

Fears remain this Easter that Christians in Nigeria are being ‘wiped out’ by Muslim extremists

close Video Thousands of Christians reportedly 'deliberately' targeted in Nigeria: 'Human rights catastrophe' Rev. Johnnie…

7 hours ago