Israel declares ‘state of war’ as conflict takes heavy toll

ANKARA (AA) – The Israeli government Sunday declared a “state of war” amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has claimed over 600 Israeli lives.

The Israeli Security Council approved a declaration of war in accordance with Article 40 of the Basic Law, the Israeli government said, according to the daily Jerusalem Post.

Over 2,000 Israelis have been injured so far, Hebrew Channel 12 reported.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Saturday and said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

About 750 Israelis have been missing since fighting broke out on Saturday morning, local media reported early Sunday.

At least 313 Palestinians have also been killed and nearly 2,000 others injured in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza.

More than 3,000 rockets have been launched by Hamas toward Israel since Saturday morning, according to the Israeli army.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi