Hamas-Israel ‘war': 198 killed in Gaza; 70 in Israel 

The long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas has erupted once again, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict has taken a grim toll, with over 198 people killed in Gaza and 70 in Israel.

The conflict escalated dramatically when Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group, launched a major attack on Israel, its most significant in years. The attack was a combination of armed gunmen crossing into Israel and a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. In response, Israel initiated heavy air raids on Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of life among Palestinians.

According to Palestinian health officials, Israeli airstrikes struck deep within Gaza City, leading to billowing clouds of black smoke that filled the sky. Israel, in turn, accused Hamas, which is known to be backed by Iran, of declaring war. 

Israel's army confirmed engagements with militants in several Israeli towns and military bases near Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate, asserting that the enemy would face consequences of an unprecedented nature. He stated, 'We are in a war, and we will win it.'

Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, claimed that its unexpected operation was in response to the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and escalating settler violence in the region. In retaliation, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes in Gaza, leading to heavy explosions and casualties being rushed to hospitals.

This attack marked an unprecedented infiltration into Israel by an undisclosed number of Hamas gunmen who crossed from the Gaza Strip. It represents one of the most significant blows to Israel in its ongoing conflict with Palestinians since the suicide bombings of the Second Intifada nearly two decades ago. 

Additionally, the Islamic Jihad group announced its involvement in the attacks, claiming to have captured several Israeli soldiers. Hamas social media accounts showed footage of purported Israeli captives being taken alive into Gaza.

The situation further deteriorated with reports of gunfights between groups of Palestinian fighters and Israeli security forces in southern Israel towns. Israel's police chief confirmed the existence of '21 active scenes' of conflict in southern Israel.

Hamas's military commander, Mohammad Deif, declared the start of the operation through a broadcast on Hamas media, urging Palestinians everywhere to join the fight. He stated, 'This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,' revealing that approximately 5,000 rockets had been launched during the conflict.

The timing of this escalation is notable, as it occurred just one day after Israel commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, during which the country faced a grave threat in a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt. The renewed hostilities have once again plunged the region into turmoil and uncertainty.