GAZA: A war broke out in West Asia after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, made a surprise incursion into Israel, taking hostages, including soldiers, and launching heavy rocket attacks. About 100 people died in Israel in the attacks by Hamas. Later in the day, about 200 people were killed in Palestine after Israel launched a counterattack. About 1100 people were injured.

The war broke out in the area where Indians, including Malayalis, were living. The government has urged everyone not to go out and take shelter in bunkers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that it was not a regular conflict, but a war. Meanwhile, India has declared support for Israel.

Hamas infiltrated Israel not only by land and sea but also by air using para-gliders. They started shooting and killing everyone who came in front of them. The hostages were brutally tortured and many were forcibly taken to Gaza. It is reported that many towns in Israel have been captured by Hamas. They attacked Israeli soldiers and set fire to military vehicles.

Israel began to retaliate in a deadly manner within hours. Buildings and vehicles on both sides turned into fireballs as both sides started firing rockets at each other. The head of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif, announced that 5,000 rockets were fired into Israel in 20 minutes. Hundreds of injured people have been taken to hospitals in Israel. Many are in critical condition. Hundreds of people along the Gaza border have fled since the outbreak of fighting.

Airports in southern Israel have been closed. The Israeli military asked people to stay near bomb shelters. Air raid warning sirens are blaring everywhere. The attack was jointly carried out by Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a paramilitary force. General Nimrod Iloni of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was captured by Hamas. Ofir Leibstein, head of the local council in charge of Israel's borders, was among those killed.

The two forces are continuing to clash in more than fifteen centers. Israel has deployed thousands of reserve troops along the Gaza border. Airstrikes hit Hamas centers in Gaza. Army, paraglider troops and naval forces are there carrying out the attack. There were explosions in central Gaza and Gaza City.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has directed Indians in Israel to be cautious.