Israeli security cabinet declares country at war after Hamas attack

Fire and smoke rise after an Israeli air strike targeted the National Bank on Gaza City, on October 8, 2023. (Photo by AHMED ZAKOUT/AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says his security cabinet has declared the country at war following a deadly Hamas assault in southern Israel.

The decision, announced on Sunday, formally authorises “the taking of significant military steps,” it said in a statement.