In a shocking turn of events, at least 22 people have been killed in Israel as a result of a major surprise attack by militants who crossed into Israeli territory from Gaza amidst heavy rocket fire. Unconfirmed reports have also emerged suggesting that a number of Israelis may have been taken captive and transported back into Gaza.

In response to the attack, Israel has launched a series of air strikes on targets within Gaza, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is now "at war." He has vowed that Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, will "pay a price it has never known."

The militants breached the perimeter fence just after dawn, coinciding with a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. The Israeli military has reported that dozens of fighter jets are currently conducting air strikes on Hamas sites in Gaza and has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists.

Tragically, at least one Palestinian has been reported killed as a result of these strikes, according to local health officials. The rocket barrages from Gaza began early on Saturday, which is both the Jewish Sabbath and the festival of Simchat Torah. Sirens sounded across Israel, with the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) announcing that "terrorists" had infiltrated Israeli territory "in a number of different locations." Civilians in southern and central areas were instructed to seek shelter.

Videos posted online show heavily armed Palestinian militants dressed in black fatigues driving through the town of Sderot. In one video, these militants appear to exchange fire with Israeli forces on the streets of Sderot, a town located just 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) from Gaza.

Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports in Palestinian media suggesting that a number of Israelis have been taken captive by militants. Footage has also circulated showing Palestinians in Gaza driving Israeli military vehicles.

The Hamas attacks have resulted in injuries to 545 Israelis, as reported by Israel's health ministry. Tragically, Ofir Liebstein, the leader of a regional council in southern Israel, was killed during an exchange of fire with militants while defending his community.

The rocket barrages from Gaza continued throughout Saturday morning, with Israeli media reporting that more than 2,500 projectiles had been launched towards Israel. Hospitals in the southern city of Ashkelon and the central city of Beer Sheva are currently treating casualties.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement, declaring, "Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not an operation, not an escalation, a war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the state of Israel and its citizens." He further added, "I ordered an extensive reserve mobilization and a retaliatory war with a strength and scope that the enemy has never known."

In response to the escalation, a senior Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media. Deif called on Palestinians everywhere to join the fight, declaring, "This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth."

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with deep concern, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict and an end to the loss of innocent lives.