The town of ashkelon has seen major explosions. Details of the palestinian incursions are unclear, but gunmen have been reported in towns near the gaza border and israelis have been warned to stay inside. There are palestinian reports of Israeli Soldiers being captured. Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on hamas media, calling on palestinians everywhere to fight. Israels military is striking targets in gaza in response. We dont have Casualty Figures yet from the israeli strikes. Lets here more from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He addressed the nation in a video Statement Released on social media. Citizens of israel, we are at war. Not an operation, not an escalation, a war. This morning, hamas launched a war. This morning, hamas launched a murderous Surprise Attack against the state of israel and its citizens. We have been hit since early morning. I commend the act of the security stir. I instructed them to cleanse the sett