'The gates of hell have been unlocked'

Terrorists rampage kills hundreds including 260 in music festival massacre

- Giles Sheldrick

RISHI Sunak declared "terrorism will not prevail" and vowed to stand with Israel, after the bloodiest attack on the nation in 50 years slaughtered at least 700 innocents.

The PM said the battle-scarred state has an "absolute right to defend itself from the barbarity of Hamas" and he offered the unconditional support of the UK to his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

His pledge came as Jerusalem warned that Palestinian invaders had "unlocked the gates of hell" and Israel promised to "use all its strength" to destroy the militants.

Mr Sunak said: "I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to assure him of the UK's steadfast support as Israel defends itself. We will do everything we can to help. Terrorism will not prevail.

"We stand unequivocally with Israel. This attack by Hamas is cowardly and depraved."

Supported by a barrage of thousands of rockets, hundreds of heavily armed Hamas fighters broke out of Gaza in a land, sea and air dawn assault across southern Israel. Their indiscriminate onslaught of murder, kidnap and torture of civilians and Israeli troops sparked condemnation around the world.

Rescuers found at least 260 bodies at a music festival overrun by the invaders the toll may rise as defence forces check the area.

Israeli news video showed dozens of festival-goers running through fields at Kibbutz Re'im near the border with Gaza. Many were shot as they tried to hide.

Meanwhile Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed Gaza militants were holding dozens of Israeli hostages.