'We are at war': Israeli PM deploys special forces against Hamas after major attacks
A Palestinian boy reacts next to a burning Israeli vehicle that Palestinian gunmen brought to Gaza after they infiltrated areas of southern Israel
Reuters
At least 40 people have been killed and over 700 injured in Israel in a surprise attack by the militant group Hamas, with the Israeli PM declaring that "we are at war".
Nearly 200 people have died in retaliatory strikes launched by Israel in the Gaza strip, officials have said.
Israel's N12 news channel has reported that around 50 Israeli hostages are currently being held by Hamas gunmen.
Israel has launched back at the attacks, deploying special forces against Hamas in Gaza.
Emergency services in Gaza are reporting that several people are dead and injured after Israel conducted retaliatory air strikes across the strip.
There is no official word on the numbers of casualties yet.
Speaking at a cabinent meeting, Prime Minister said the country's first objective was to clear out "the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore the security and quiet to the communities that have been attacked".
"The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well."
"The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war."
He closed his remarks by calling on his citizens to unite to "achieve our highest goal – victory in the war".
Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip
Reuters
Cells from Hamas infiltrated a number of communities in the south of the country in the early hours of this morning.
In addition, thousands of rockets have been fired from Gaza overnight.
The head of Hamas, Mohammed Deif, said that "5,000 rockets" had been fired into Israel to begin what he termed "Operation Al Aqsa Storm".
Israel has retaliated, with its own forces now operating inside Gaza and striking targets there.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said more than 2,200 rockets had been fired into Israel since 6:30am, with fighting between Hamas and Israeli troops ongoing at seven sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu released a statement, saying that "we are at war and we will win".
He said Hamas would "pay a price the type of which it has never known".
"This morning, Hamas opened a murderous surprise attack against the state of Israel and its citizens," he said.
"We're in it since early morning. I convened heads of security, I instructed first to clear the villages from terrorists that infiltrated.
"I call on all citizens of Israel to strictly obey the instructions of the army and the instructions of the home command."
The IDF have launched a counter-offence effort known as the "Swords of Iron", in response to the attacks.
Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza
Reuters
"At this time, the IDF is reinforcing the south and the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip with several operational forces," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.
"Operational commanders are arriving to manage the combat in each location."
"In parallel to this, we have begun a wide mobilisation of reservists for all IDF units."
The Palestinian minister for health has declared a state of emergency in all hospitals across the country.
Israeli emergency services are also urgently appealing for blood for those injured.
Russia has taken a stance on the conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and restraint.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has said Washington is working to ensure that Israel "has what it needs" to defend itself.