Saturday's incident marked an unprecedented infiltration by Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza, and was the most serious escalation since Israel and Hamas fought a 10-day war in 2021.
Israeli media reported gunbattles between bands of Palestinian fighters and security forces in towns in southern Israel.
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight.
The Israeli military was aware of reports of captives, a security source said, but provided no further details.
Israel's ambulance service said teams had been dispatched to areas in southern Israel near Gaza and residents were warned to stay inside.
Persons:
Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mohammad Deif, Amir Cohen, Yoav Gallant, Khan Younis, Abu Hamza, ”, Henriette Chacar, Dan Williams, Nidal Al, James Mackenzie, William Mallard, Robert Birsel, Alex Richardson
Organizations:
Israel Hamas, Hamas, Israeli Army Radio, REUTERS, Islamic, Qassam, Thomson
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, JERUSALEM, GAZA, Palestinian, Jerusalem, Sderot, Beeri, Ashkelon, Khan, Syria, Egypt, Mughrabi