Israel instructs diplomats abroad to ‘stay at home’

ISTANBUL (AA) – Israel on Sunday instructed its diplomats abroad to “remain in their homes” unless they receive special security clearance.

In the wake of ongoing conflict with Palestine, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs put "all diplomatic missions around the world on high alert" and called on its diplomats serving in foreign countries to “be careful.”

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.

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

At least 313 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,000 others injured in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while the Israeli death toll climbed to 400.

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

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi