Israel has officially declared itself at war following an unexpected attack by Hamas fighters. Israeli soldiers are engaged in fierce street battles with Hamas militants in southern Israel, while airstrikes target Gaza, escalating tensions in the region, stated agency reports. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Security Cabinet had formally declared the nation to be at war, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The declaration empowers the Israeli military to take substantial military actions in response to the ongoing crisis.