Israel “at war” with Hamas after surprise cross-border assault kills at least 22, injures hundreds

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that the country is “at war,” hours after the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched its biggest attack on Israel in years. The surprise assault from Hamas comprised of a surprise ground assault, including gunmen crossing into Israeli territory, and a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza City. Israel’s defence minister said Hamas had made a “grave mistake“ by declaring war on the country, adding that Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers are “fighting the enemy in all infiltration points” and “will win this war.” Israeli military launched air strikes upon Gaza hours later in retaliation, where local witnesses reported hearing heavy explosions. The attack marked an unprecedented infiltration by an unknown number of Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza, and one of the most serious escalations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years. At least 22 Israelis were killed in Hamas’s morning attack, with more than 545 wounded, the health ministry revealed. For more info, please go to Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: Like Global News on Facebook HERE: Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: #GlobalNews #Israel #Palestine