At least 150 people are reported killed and 1,100 wounded in Israel after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its biggest attack in years, according to BBC.
The armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas claimed responsibility for the aerial assault, asserting that its militants had launched over 5,000 rockets.
Militants crossed into Israel from Gaza under the cover of heavy rocket fire – and have since taken dozens of Israelis captive.
Some hostages – both soldiers and civilians – were taken back to Gaza.
As per an Al Jazeera report, the Hamas militant group released footage of them capturing Israeli soldiers.
Hamas also released a video showing its fighters had captured three men, who are seen dressed in civilian clothes, as per a report by AFP.
In the video signs in Hebrew can be seen in the background, suggesting the footage was filmed on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media on Saturday showed civilians being targeted by Hamas militants in Israels southern cities near Gaza, using motorcycles, SUVs, and even paragliders to infiltrate the towns.
Videos on social media, reportedly from Gaza, also showed militants celebrating the death and destruction inflicted on Israel, dragging the bodies of Israeli soldiers into the streets.
Israel has retaliated with a wave of air strikes on targets in Gaza killing 198 people, Palestinian officials say.
Israel has responded with a wave of air strikes on Gaza that have killed 232 people and wounded 1,600, BBC reported quoting health officials.
