At least 20 Israelis die in surprise attack launched by Hamas militants

Attacks, including rocket fire, on Israel by Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas have killed at least 20 people, the MDA national rescue service said. Israel's Health Ministry estimates that 545 people have been placed in local hospitals with injuries.

"The Hamas surprise attack killed at least 20 Israelis, both from rocket hits and clashes with terrorists who infiltrated the surrounding settlements. This is not an exact number, as rescue forces are unable at this stage to enter some settlements where terrorists are still present," the MDA said, Ynet reported.

Israel's Health Ministry Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov ordered to put on standby all services that may be needed to help the victims. The ministry estimates that 545 people with injuries of varying degrees of severity have already been hospitalised.

The shelling of Israel from the Gaza Strip began around 6:30 a.m. and has not stopped until now. It was reported that Hamas militants fired more than 5,000 rockets at the territory of the Jewish state. They have also entered Israeli population centres and taken hostages. The group said it aims to establish a Palestinian state. The Israel Defence Forces launched a counter-terrorist operation "Iron Swords" in the Gaza Strip.