Live updates: Israel-Gaza conflict erupts into fighting after attack by Palestinian militants

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his country “at war,” after Palestinian militants from Gaza fired a deadly barrage of rockets and sent gunmen into Israeli territory Saturday morning. In response, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, and fighting has continued throughout the day.

The surprise attack and subsequent fighting marks a major escalation of the long-running conflict between the two sides.

Here’s the latest developments:

Death toll: Israeli authorities say at least 200 people are dead and more than 1,400 wounded in Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say at least 232 Palestinians have died, and more than 1,600 are wounded.

A fresh round of attacks: A new round of rockets fired by Gaza militants on Saturday evening made direct hits on multiple locations inside Israel, including in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli authorities. In a Telegram post, the armed wing of Hamas — the militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union and Israel — said it had fired an additional 150 rockets in response to the bombing of a residential tower in Gaza City.

Israelis captured: The Israel Defense Forces say Hamas has taken hostages and prisoners of war since it launched its surprise attack Saturday morning. The militant group claims it has dozens of captives. In videos geolocated and authenticated by CNN, Hamas fighters appear to take Israeli citizens and soldiers captive in and near Gaza.

What is Hamas saying: Senior Hamas member Saleh al-Arouri said the militant group, which runs Gaza, is “ready for the worst-case scenario, including a ground invasion, which will be the best for us to decide the ending of this battle.”

What is Netanyahu saying: In a televised speech on Saturday evening carried by Reuters, Netanyahu said, “What happened today has never been seen in Israel. We will take mighty vengeance for this black day.” He added, “Israel will reach every place Hamas is hiding,” and warned residents of Gaza to leave now. He also commented on the captured Israelis. “I tell Hamas, you are responsible for wellbeing of captives. Israel will settle the score with anyone who harms them,” Netanyahu said.

International reaction: President Joe Biden said in an address Saturday evening that the United States stands with Israel. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET to address the situation. Countries and leaders from around the world reacted to the news, with many condemning the attacks and others calling for calm and restraint. Meanwhile, airlines have either canceled or dramatically reduced flights to Tel Aviv, and foreign offices and embassies are discouraging travel and advising caution to their nationals present in Israel.