Israel formally declares war, approves 'significant' steps to retaliate for Hamas attack
Israeli soldiers fought to repel Hamas militants Sunday and exchanged fire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, raising the prospect of a broader regional conflict, a day after an unprecedented surprise attack on southern Israel by Palestinian militants.
![Israel formally declares war, approves 'significant' steps to retaliate for Hamas attack](https://i.cbc.ca/1.6990474.1696753405!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/gaza-strip-mosque-israel-airstrike.jpg)
![People stand outside a mosque destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Oct.8, 2023. The Hamas militants broke out of the blockaded Gaza Strip and rampaged through nearby Israeli communities, taking captives, while Israel's retaliation strikes leveled buildings in Gaza. People stand on a large pile of concrete rubble in front of a collapsed dome.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.6990474.1696753405!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/gaza-strip-mosque-israel-airstrike.jpg)
Israeli soldiers fought to repel Hamas militants Sunday and exchanged fire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, raising the prospect of a broader regional conflict, a day after an unprecedented surprise attack on southern Israel by Palestinian militants.