LIVEBLOG: Israeli toll from Hamas onslaught at over 300 dead, 1,590 hurt; IDF confirms hostages taken

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with several regional counterparts

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with several regional counterparts, including foreign ministers and other senior members of government from Turkey, Qatar and Jordan.

In addition, Blinken released a joint statement with some of his European counterparts, saying "Together, we must work toward an immediate halt to these attacks and support Israel’s right to defend itself, rescue hostages, and protect its citizens."

Second barrage of rockets hit homes in Sderot, Ashkelon and Barzilai hospital

Rockets launched by the Hamas terrorist organization struck several locations in southern Israel, wounding at least one 50-year-old woman according to Israeli media.

The rocket attack in the early hours of Sunday had hit homes in Ashkelon and Sderot, which was still an active location of firefights between Israeli security forces and Hamas terrorists. A woman in her fifties was reportedly in serious condition from the first barrage an hour earlier.

In addition, the Barzilai Medical Center was directly hit by a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip. There were no casualties, but the hospital was damaged.

Efforts to secure southern Israel from terrorist infiltrators continues

Sirens sound in Ashkelon and southern Israel

Israeli security forces rescue Ofakim hostages

During the efforts to rescue the town of Ofakim and hostages being held at gunpoint at several points, there were many wounded.

After a hostage negotiation effort that lasted almost 24 hours, the Israeli security forces killed 10 terrorists in the southern town, but there were wounded.

Netanyahu: 'The first phase will end in these hours'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that offensive formations began after approaching the end of the "first phase" by securing areas in southern Israel that were overrun by Hamas terrorists.

"We are embarking on a long and difficult war. The war was forced upon us by a murderous attack by Hamas," Netanyahu stated, after the security cabinet met in the late hours between Saturday and Sunday.

"The first phase will end in these hours by destroying most of the enemy forces that have penetrated our territory," the Israeli prime minister assured.

"At the same time, we started the offensive formation and it will continue without reservation and without respite - until the goals are achieved," he announced. "We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win."

Israeli security forces rescue about 50 hostages from Be'eri

The southern village of Be'eri was rescued, after having barricaded themselves within a community dining hall, and held hostage inside by Hamas terrorists.

The Israeli security forces were able to retake the area and free the hostages.

Israeli security forces continue fight with terrorists in Sderot

Hamas terrorists barricaded themselves within a police station in the southern city of Sderot, Israeli security forces started efforts to destroy the building, including by the use of shoulder-mounted rocket launchers.

The death toll from Hamas massacre up to over 300

Two harrowing testimonies from Israeli civilians

IDF announces commander of Nahal Brigade Lt. Col. Yehonatan Steinberg was among those killed while fighting against Hamas terrorists

Netanyahu says 'this war will be long but Israel will win'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to avenge what he said was a "black day" for Israel Saturday, saying the army will strike back at the Hamas terrorists in Gaza with full force.

Israeli defense minister extends state of emergency to the entirety of the country

Sirens once again sound in central Israel

Gaza death toll in conflict with Israel rises to 232: ministry

Death toll up to 200

IDF spokesperson says Israeli death toll from the Hamas offensive surpasses 200; fighting is ongoing in 22 locations. There are 'severe' hostage situations ongoing on two locations in south, 'cannot confirm' number of Israelis captured by Hamas.

Fresh barrage of rockets on central Israel

Hamas launches a fresh barrage of some 150 rockets across southern and central Israel, reaching Tel Aviv. Early reports of direct hits. 

Israel halts electricity supply to Gaza

Hamas say 'dozens' of captured IDF officers and soldiers 'transferred to hideouts' in Gaza 

Biden offers 'all means of support'

U.S. President Joe Biden said he told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington was ready to offer “all appropriate means of support" after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched an attack on Israel.

“I made clear to prime minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel,” Biden said in a statement. “Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation,” he added.