Israel-Hamas conflict Updates: Death toll in Israel over 500, reports local media

Israel on Sunday claimed that it has killed more than 400 militants of the Palestinian group Hamas in retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza.

Tel Aviv declared a “state of war” on Saturday after Hamas launched a deadly surprise operation against the country – ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’, consisting of a barrage of 3,000 rockets and an unprecedented infiltration into Israel’s southern towns. The conflict escalated with gunfights and hostage situations as the Hamas’ assault extended to around 22 locations up to 15 miles from the Gaza border. As of now, the operation is still going on in eight locations, the Israeli forces said Sunday.

Highlights from Saturday’s events on the Israel-Hamas war.

The Israeli military said that it has also captured dozens of militants during its ‘Operation Iron Swords’ against Hamas militants. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier vowed to reduce the group’s Gaza hideouts to “rubble”. The military in a late-night briefing said that the number of civilian and military personnel taken hostage by Hamas would shape the future of the war.

The bitter enemies have fought four wars since the Islamic militant group that opposes Israel, seized control of Gaza in 2007. Israel has maintained a blockade over Gaza since that time.