Israel cuts supplies to Gaza, faces 'long and difficult war'

TEL AVIV - Israel said on Sunday it would launch attacks against the group Hamas in response to the surprise large-scale attacks by the group in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's security council had approved steps to bring about the "destruction of the military and governmental capabilities" of Hamas, the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, reporte German news agency (dpa).

Israel would halt the supply of electricity, fuel and goods into Gaza, the office said.

Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Israel was "embarking on a long and difficult war".

"The war was forced upon us by a murderous attack by Hamas," he wrote.

An offensive had started "and it will continue without reservation and without respite - until the goals are achieved," he said.

"We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win."

Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that an Israeli couple being held hostage in Ofakim had been rescued and the hostage takers killed. Three Israeli soldiers were injured.

The broadcaster also reported Israeli forces had killed 10 suspected Hamas members who had taken control of a police station in city of Sderot, which borders the Gaza Strip.

At least 300 people were killed in the Jewish state after the massive Hamas attacks, according to the Israeli rescue service Zaka, and more than 1,590 were wounded as of Saturday evening.

In Gaza, 242 people have been killed and some 1,700 injured following the retaliatory strikes by the Israeli army, the Gaza Health Ministry said. - BERNAMA