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In a dramatic turn of events, the Israeli government officially declared war against Hamas on Sunday. The government vows to take "significant military steps" in response to Hamas' surprise attack launched from the Gaza Strip. 

The conflict has since escalated, with the death toll surpassing 900 and thousands left wounded on both sides.

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War against Hamas

Over 24 hours after the initial incursion by Hamas, Israeli forces are still engaged in efforts to eliminate the last remaining pockets of militant fighters who have taken refuge in various towns across southern Israel.

The scale of the devastation is staggering, with at least 600 reported deaths in Israel, marking an unprecedented level of loss for the country in decades. Meanwhile, over 300 lives have been lost in Gaza as a result of Israeli airstrikes relentlessly pounding the territory.

Authorities are currently in the process of determining the exact number of civilians and soldiers who were seized by Hamas fighters during the chaos and subsequently taken back to Gaza. Disturbing videos and witness accounts confirm that among the captives are women, children, and the elderly.

U.S. Secretary of State Andrew Blinken revealed that as many as 1,000 Hamas fighters participated in the assault, underscoring the extensive planning undertaken by the militant group ruling Gaza. These gunmen wreaked havoc for hours, indiscriminately firing on civilians in towns, along highways, and even at a techno music festival taking place in the desert near Gaza.

International Death Toll 

Amid this turmoil, Israel's Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, confirmed the presence of American citizens among the hostages but refrained from providing specific details about their identities or the fate of other Americans who may have lost their lives.

Dermer stated, "Unfortunately, I can't. We have a lot of dual citizens in Israel. I suspect there are several, but we're still trying to sort through all of this information after this horrific surprise attack. And we'll make sure to put that information out so that the loved ones of these people who were killed and who are held hostage know as quickly as possible," during his appearance on CNN's 'State of the Union.'

Internationally, the death count continues to rise as the conflict's reach extends beyond Israel and Gaza. France's foreign ministry confirmed the death of a French woman in Israel "in the context of the terrorist attacks," while German authorities expressed their belief that German citizens are among those kidnapped by Hamas on Saturday. The exact number remains undisclosed.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oleg Nikolenko, sadly reported the loss of two Ukrainian women, long-time residents of Israel, without providing additional details regarding the circumstances of their tragic deaths. Additionally, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry disclosed that two Belarusians were injured during the shelling of the city of Ashkelon, with one of them in serious condition.