Israel orders “complete siege” of Gaza

Israel’s Minister of Defense said he has ordered the “complete siege” of Gaza, cutting off electricity, food, fuel and water to the enclave.

This comes as Israel has pounded Gaza with airstrikes and formally declared war on Hamas Sunday following Hamas unprecedented attacks on Israel.

CNN reports that almost 500 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and medical care has been complicated by Israel cutting power to the territory.

Israel’s military has also said it has retaken control of all communities around Gaza, more than 48 hours after Hamas launched a surprise assault in which more than 700 people were killed.

Videos show the horror on the ground, including an attack on a music festival where Israeli rescuers say they found 260 people dead. Other clips show Israeli civilians being captured. Hamas claims it is holding more than 100 hostages, including Israeli army officers.

Hamas on Monday said it fired rockets toward four Israeli cities in response to the strikes in Gaza.