Israel says it's 'at war' as terror attack kills dozens

Hamas terrorists on Saturday fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday, killing dozens and stunning the country. Israel said it was now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza.

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"We are at war," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address, declaring a mass army mobilisation. "The enemy will pay an unprecedented price." 

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said on Saturday evening the group was on the "verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front". It was not clear what exact goals he was referring to. Earlier, the leader of Hamas's military wing, Mohammed Deif had said the assault was in response to the continued blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at Al Aqsa mosque-the disputed Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians and continued growth of settlements. He said the morning attack was only the start of what he called "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm".

At least 200 people were reported killed in Israel, while Gaza authorities released a death toll of 232, with hundreds more wounded on both sides. An Israeli military spokesperson also confirmed that the attackers were holding Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage in Gaza. The details of the situation were not immediately clear. A top Hamas official said the group is holding "a large number" of Israeli prisoners including senior officers, adding that they will be used in a prisoner exchange to free Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.