The Hamas movement, which controls the Gaza Strip, has called on other armed groups in Lebanon to join its fight against Israel, following a surprise attack on Saturday that killed hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians.
Hamas said it had launched an unprecedented, multi-front assault on Israel at daybreak, firing thousands of rockets and sending dozens of fighters into Israeli territory by air, land, and sea. The group said it had blown up parts of Israel’s separation fence and captured several Israeli civilians and soldiers.
The attack, which coincided with a major Jewish holiday, caught Israel off guard and triggered a fierce response from the Israeli military, which bombed Gaza with jets and drones, flattening buildings and civilian areas. The death toll has risen to nearly 1,000 people on both sides, with many more wounded.