Hamas announced it had captured a number of Israeli soldiers during its surprise attack early Saturday, with the Israeli Broadcast Authority saying the number could be as high as 35.
Hamas published video of the soldiers, who they said were captured from settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip.
Muhammad Al-Deif, the commander of the Hamas’ military wing the Al-Qassam Brigades, said the attack – named Operation Al-Aqsa Flood – was launched in response to the occupation’s crimes against the Palestinians and its repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Fighting is still ongoing in settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip after Hamas fighters infiltrated across the border early on Saturday morning.
In addition, Al-Deif claimed that Hamas had fired 5,000 rockets against cities in Israel including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Israeli rescue service confirms at least 22 people were killed in Hamas' attack, without specifying if they were soldiers or civilians.
Meanwhile, the country’s health ministry reports that 545 have been wounded.
