Israel death toll in Hamas attack rises to 600, over 100 in captivity

Israel late Sunday announced that the death toll in the Hamas’ surprise attack crossed 600, while over 100 were held captive.

The death toll was “not final” and could be expected to rise as over 2,000 were injured with 200 in critical condition, AFP reported, citing an Israeli government official.

Fighting between Israeli security forces and Hamas terrorists continued Sunday evening at at least seven locations in southern Israel, according to Haaretz.com.

The Hamas attack, the biggest in Israel since the 1973 Arab-Israel war, began Saturday morning. Hamas launched a heavy barrage of rockets into Israel while its fighters crossed into the country’s south along the border with the Gaza Strip on land, air and sea;  Hamas terrorists drove through the border fences. Many paraglided into communities deep inside southern Israel. Some even tried reaching Israeli shores on speed boats.

Israel responded by declaring a state of war, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to “destroy” Hamas and “forcefully avenge this dark day.”

Israeli Defence Forces immediately started taking out Hamas targets in Gaza.

According to the latest reports, tanks were seen being sent towards the border with Gaza as a ground operation into Gaza, where Hamas operates from, seemed imminent.

The Israeli army has already started evacuating communities close to the border, while those living close to the fence in Gaza were asked to leave for safety.