GAZA - Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 198 people and injured 1,610, the Health Ministry in Gaza said on Saturday.

"Today, at least 198 people lost their lives, and 1,610 sustained injuries due to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip," the ministry said in a statement.

JERUSALEM - Over 40 Israelis have been killed and more than 700 injured in the Islamic Resistance Movement's (Hamas) offensive that began earlier on Saturday, reported Israeli media citing Magen David Adom from emergency services.

Israeli officials have not confirmed reports on various media channels that tens of Israeli civilians and soldiers are being held captive by Hamas.

GAZA - Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), released on Saturday a short video showing some militants capturing a number of Israelis from the Israeli towns adjacent to the Gaza Strip.