Rubble & Smoke: Gaza Grapples With Devastation As Israel Hits Back After Hamas Attack: IN PICS

While Hamas has previously abducted Israelis, this operation marks the first time they have taken dozens of hostages simultaneously, including children and the elderly.

Gaza grapples with devastation as buildings lie demolished and rubble blankets the city.

Israel has officially declared war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas in response to a highly coordinated and unprecedented assault that involved air, sea, and land strikes, which took place on Saturday.

The large-scale surprise attack has had a devastating toll, with more than 1,200 reported dead in Israel, as stated by public broadcaster Kan. In retaliation, Israel launched lethal airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in a death toll of at least 900 people.