By Burak Bir
LONDON (AA) – A total of 81 Greek citizens who had been trapped in Israel and the Palestinian territories returned home late Sunday amid ongoing clashes that continue to escalate.
The citizens, who went to the region on two organized tours, were waiting at Ben Gurion Airport, the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"For the remaining individual visitors, efforts are being made to ensure their safe return at the earliest possible time," the statement added.
The Gaza-based Hamas resistance group launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning, firing a barrage of rockets.
In retaliation, the Israeli military bombarded the Gaza Strip on Saturday and Sunday, razing to the ground many high-rise buildings.
At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 493 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,751 others.