Of Israeli Soldiers taken captive by fighters. Hamas military commander mohammadMohammed Deif hamas military commander Mohammed Deif announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on hamas media, calling on palestinians everywhere to fight. Israels military has been striking targets in gaza in response. At least 161 palestinians are confirmed dead there. We had that in the last half an hour. Overiooo we had that in the last half an hour. Over 1000 palestinians have hour. 0ver1000 Palestinians have been injured. I can also tell you now that there is a state of National Emergency right across israel. Richard galpin has the latest. This was a Surprise Attack on israel by the militant palestinian group, hamas. Its claiming its launched 5,000 rockets injust 20 minutes. Some have hit the city of ashkelon causing damage. Amongst those on the ground, more hamas fighters heading into the battle. There is also footage apparently showing a captured israeli tank. A senior hamas commander has