Israel declares war and approves ‘significant’ steps in retaliation for Hamas attack

The Israeli rescue service Zaka said its paramedics removed about 260 bodies from a music festival attended by thousands that came under attack

Fire and smoke after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Sunday (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The Israeli government formally declared war on Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for its surprise attack.

The declaration came as the military tried to crush fighters still in southern towns and intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip.