"Israel and Hamas Engage in Hostage Crisis Amidst Surprise Attacks"

Israel and Hamas are engaged in a new round of conflict, with Hamas launching a large aerial and ground operation from the Gaza Strip. Over 2,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel, while Hamas gunmen have infiltrated Israeli towns and villages. Israel has responded with airstrikes in Gaza. The Israeli military has confirmed that civilians and soldiers have been taken hostage in Gaza, with estimates of tens of hostages. The death toll in Israel is at least 100, with about 1,000 injured, while in the Gaza Strip, the death toll has risen to 198 with 1,610 injured. The United States has expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense, and the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has increased its presence near the border with Israel. The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concern and offered to visit anyone detained. Brazil, as the president of the UN Security Council, will call an emergency meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with US President Joe Biden, who emphasized the US's support for Israel.