Tel Aviv - Hundreds of those Palestinian gunmen have now been killed, the Israeli military said, according to a Reuters news agency report. Dozens of gunmen have been taken prisoner, the military added. Israel, on Sunday, launched a series of retaliatory strikes, in the aftermath of the surprise attack by Hamas on its territory.

Israeli warplanes targeted approximately 150 locations within the Gaza Strip, hitting not only infrastructure but also compounds where Hamas leaders were suspected to be residing.

Among these targets were the residence of the head of Hamas intelligence in the Gaza Strip, as well as two banks accused of having links to Hamas for terror funding.

Over the past 17 years, Hamas has maintained its control over Gaza, consistently voicing its preparedness for a confrontation with Israel. Hamas has anticipated Israel's response, which has been realized as the Israeli Air Force conducted retaliatory strikes last night.

Hamas, being well-versed in the dynamics of conflict with Israel, has been fully aware of the potential consequences of launching attacks on Israel. Therefore, the expectation of retaliatory strikes by Israel must have been factored into its strategic calculations.

Israel’s military says there are still eight “points of engagement” with Hamas militants inside its territory, although it claims to have regained control of 22 locations in the country’s south. Hamas says "fierce fighting" continues

The conflict, which has unfolded over the past 24 hours, has already resulted in significant casualties and the targeting of critical infrastructure.

On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the country is engaged in a "long and difficult war" in response to the unprecedented attack by Hamas.

Palestinian militants have taken Israeli hostages, including civilians, women, children, and soldiers. Dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers have been killed in the attacks by Hamas militants. The conflict has forced residents in southern Israel to seek shelter amid ongoing rocket attacks.

At least 300 Israelis have been killed so far and dozens kidnapped, Israel's Embassy in Turkey said, quoting Israel's Ministry of Health.

Close to 2,000 people are being treated in hospitals - 19 of them are in critical condition, it said.
Around 313 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,000 injured in Gaza from Israeli retaliatory air strikes since Saturday, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The Gaza Strip now faces a dire humanitarian situation. The halt in power and supply deliveries by Israel has left most areas without electricity and water. The destruction of the Watan Tower, a vital hub for internet providers, has exacerbated communication challenges, hindering the ability to provide and coordinate aid effectively.

The conflict has spilled beyond the Gaza Strip, with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claiming responsibility for strikes on Mount Dov. This area, claimed by Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, has now become a focal point of escalating tensions. In response, Israel has fired artillery into Lebanon, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

China has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and called on all parties involved to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and work toward a peaceful resolution. The international community is being urged to intervene urgently and seek a path to enduring peace in the region.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to American airlines and pilots to exercise "extreme caution" when flying in Israeli airspace due to the ongoing conflict.