1,200 Israelis killed in Hamas attack, over 200 taken captive: Report

By Anadolu staff

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli officials estimate that more than 1,200 Israelis were killed in Hamas attacks on towns near the Gaza Strip.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported on Tuesday that Tel Aviv officials believe that over 200 Israelis were taken captive by Hamas in Gaza.

The Israeli Health Ministry has yet to confirm the new toll.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz had earlier reported that the Hamas attack had killed over 1,000 Israelis.

Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday, with fighters infiltrating Israeli towns near Gaza amid heavy rocket fire.

Israel retaliated with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and imposed a total blockade on the territory, home to nearly 2.2 million people.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 830 Palestinians were killed and 4,250 others injured in the Israeli bombardment of the strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”