Israel has pounded the besieged Gaza Strip for a second night in a row after formally declaring war against the Palestinian Hamas group. Its military says some 100,000 reserve troops have amassed near Gaza, Al-Jazeera reported.
Fierce fighting is continuing in at least three areas in southern Israel, including a kibbutz (communal place of work) in Karmia and in the cities of Ashkelon and Sderot.
The latest death toll stands at 436 Palestinians, according to health officials, and more than 700 Israelis, according to media reports.
Palestinian fighters they are holding more than 130 people captive inside Gaza.
Hamas’s surprise attack came after Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in recent days and a record number of Palestinians were killed by Israel in recent months.
