GAZA: Israel has launched a counterattack on Hamas after the Palestinian ruling militant group fired thousands of rockets into southern Israel earlier today. Reports are claiming that more than 200 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israel's counter-attack. It is also reported that more than 1600 people were injured. Israel also claimed that it has so far destroyed 17 Hamas positions in the counter-attack.

40 Israelis were killed in a lightning attack by Hamas this morning. 545 people were injured. Gunmen stormed various cities in southern Israel and a military base in Gaza. Hamas claimed to have fired more than 5,000 rockets at Israel in 20 minutes. This is the biggest attack on Israel in recent times. Israelis were also reportedly held hostage by Palestinians in the Israeli city of Ofakim.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army and Hamas are still fighting in many places. Footage has emerged showing Hamas fighters transporting Israeli soldiers and civilians in captured military vehicles and bikes.

At the same time, Air India has cancelled its flight services to and fro Israel as the attack intensified. There will be no flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, and vice versa. This decision was made with safety considerations in mind.