Hamas says Israeli captives ‘greater’ than dozens

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Palestinian group Hamas said early Sunday that the number of Israelis captured during a surprise attack is “several times greater” than dozens.

A spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said the captured Israelis were spread throughout all areas of the Gaza Strip.

At least 300 Israelis were killed and more than 1,500 injured when Hamas fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israel near the Gaza Strip early Saturday, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

Israel retaliated with airstrikes in Gaza, killing more than 230 Palestinians and injuring hundreds, said the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The Israeli army confirmed that several Israelis were taken captive by Hamas during the attack, but did not provide an exact figure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “at war” with Hamas and later urged civilians in Gaza to leave as the Israeli military is going to turn "all Hamas hiding places into rubble."