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Israel's military has issued a warning that Hamas militants are still engaged in fighting within Israel, following their infiltration into southern communities, resulting in the deaths of approximately 250 people. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed Israelis that they are entering into a "long and difficult war." Hundreds of gunmen entered southern Israel, killing both soldiers and civilians, and taking hostages into Gaza. Israel has responded with air strikes. Palestinian health officials have reported that over 200 people were killed, and Israeli text messages were sent to Gazans overnight, instructing them to leave their homes and seek shelter in city centers or shelters. The Israeli prime minister stated that the war was prompted by a "murderous attack by Hamas" and that the first stage would conclude soon, once most of the militants in Israeli territory had been eliminated. The Israeli government has also announced the cessation of electricity, fuel, and goods supplies to Gaza. The unsettling scenario for Israel, with armed Palestinian militants operating in the southern part of the country, began on Saturday, during the Jewish Sabbath and Simchat Torah festival. Gunmen breached the Gaza perimeter fence and entered Israel using various means such as motorbikes, paragliders, and by sea. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson confirmed that the militants numbered in the hundreds, while more than 3,000 rockets were fired into Israel throughout the day. The militants conducted attacks on Israeli communities and IDF bases, going from door to door and killing Israeli civilians in their homes. They also took Israeli civilians and military personnel hostage, including women, children, the elderly, and the disabled. Distressing videos surfaced showing Israeli civilians fleeing a festival and women being forcibly taken away. Israeli citizens reported hiding in their homes, fearing for their lives. Netiv HaAsara disclosed that 15 of its residents were killed by Hamas militants, while a Sderot resident described witnessing a "sea of bodies" in the town. The Israeli military gradually regained control over most of the southern communities and eventually freed hostages held in Kibbutz Be'eri and Ofakim. The US President, Joe Biden, expressed America's unwavering support for Israel, emphasizing that Israel was under attack orchestrated by a terrorist organization. Hamas's military wing asserted that the number of captive Israelis was higher than reported, including senior military officers. By the end of Saturday, over 1,500 people were wounded in Gaza and another 1,500 in Israel. The IDF declared that Hamas's unprecedented level of violence would be met with an unprecedented response. Tens of thousands of reservists were mobilized and are expected to initiate a ground operation in Gaza. Despite the Iron Dome missile defense system intercepting numerous rockets, some managed to elude it, causing damage in central Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, and Jerusalem. Israeli airstrikes destroyed the 11-story Palestine Tower in downtown Gaza City, which housed Hamas radio stations. The Israeli air force stated that it had struck "terrorist infrastructure in multi-story buildings used by senior Hamas operatives" and had warned occupants to evacuate before the attack. Medecins Sans Frontieres reported that a nurse and an ambulance driver were killed in Israeli strikes on hospitals in Gaza, while Palestinian news agency Wafa indicated that 10 civilians died in a strike on a residential building in southern Gaza. Violent incidents also erupted in multiple locations in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of six Palestinians. Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif called on Palestinians worldwide to support their operation, while Hamas leader-in-exile Ismail Haniyeh claimed that Palestinian factions intended to expand the violence to the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad told the BBC that Iran provided direct backing for the attack. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a political rival of Hamas, stated that the Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves against settlers and occupation troops. The Hamas attacks have elicited strong international condemnation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his horror at reports of attacks and abductions of civilians from their homes, and the UK's Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, unequivocally condemned Hamas' attacks on Israeli civilians. Saudi Arabia called for an immediate cessation of the escalation, citing previous warnings regarding the dangers arising from the "continued occupation" and the deprivation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. If you have been impacted by the issues raised in this story, please contact haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.