Ukrainians in Israel who find themselves in a war zone have been given recommendations

Ukrainians who found themselves in Israel have been urged to adhere to the instructions of local authorities. This is stated in a statement by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

Diplomats gave a number of general recommendations on how not to suffer during the military confrontation:

• Refrain from visiting the central and southern parts of the country.
• Carefully monitor reports of local competent bodies in Israel to raise awareness of the development of events.
• Heed all warnings and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• If in Israeli communities in close proximity to the Gaza Strip, use bomb shelters without delay when an air raid alert is activated.
• Monitor the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website at https://www.oref.org.il/en (link accessible from within Israel).
• In case of getting into emergency situations, Ukrainian citizens should contact "hotlines":
• Ukrainian Embassy in Israel: + 972 546 676 782
• Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Ramallah: + 972 59 823 93 99

Meanwhile, Hamas militants broke the wall on the border of Israel and entered the cities of Ashkelon and Sderot.

Residents publish video of Hamas militants occupying the centre of Ashkelon with machine guns. The city is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, 7 kilometres from the Gaza Strip border.

Footage of militants on the streets of the Israeli city of Sderot, 3 kilometres from Gaza, is also appearing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country is in a state of war.

Citizens of Israel, we are in a state of war. Not an operation, not an escalation - a war. Hamas will pay an unprecedented price," Netanyahu said.

The number of casualties from the Hamas attack in southern Israel is rising: 110 wounded were taken to Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, 70 to Barzilei in the city of Ashkelon, Walla.

Militants are targeting civilians. They shoot on video and actively spread in social networks. Thus, they are trying to sow panic among the population and intimidate as much as possible.

Militants captured more than 35 Israeli soldiers. Videos of the captives are published by the militants. One of the published videos shows a female soldier of the Israeli army. Judging from the footage, she was raped.

How the world is commenting on what is happening in Israel

Annalena Berbock, German Foreign Minister: "I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on Israel from Gaza. The violence against innocent civilians must be stopped immediately. We stand in full solidarity with Israel."

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly: "The UK unequivocally condemns Hamas' appalling attacks on Israeli citizens. The UK will always support Israel's right to defend itself."

Turkish President Recep Erdogan: "We call for restraint on all sides. It is necessary to refrain from aggressive actions."

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry: "Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks on civilians in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv."