Rishi Sunak has called an urgent COBRA meeting today to discuss the Israeli crisis. The PM will be gathering top ministers and security officials this afternoon to strategize the response to the brutal attacks.

Israel declares state of war after Hamas terrorizes its citizens

Israel, a close ally of Britain, has declared a state of war after being invaded by Hamas terrorists. The Palestinian militant group stormed across the border on Saturday, leaving more than 1,100 people dead in Israel and Gaza.

UK supports Israel's right to defend itself

The UK has condemned Hamas' violence and expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mobilized the country's army reserves and is expected to launch a full-scale invasion of Hamas-controlled Gaza within the next 48 hours.

Latest developments

• Over 1,100 deaths and thousands more injured in Israel and Gaza
• Hamas launches all-out attack on Israel with 5,000 rockets fired
• Israeli PM declares Gaza will be "reduced to rubble"
• Reports of kidnapped Israeli soldiers being paraded
• British citizen reported missing after attending music festival in southern Israel
• Netanyahu refers to the attack as "Israel's 9/11"

Rishi Sunak has assured Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu of any necessary support. He stated, "We will provide all the support they need to defend themselves. We are in close dialogue with our Israeli counterparts and stand steadfast with them."

COBRA, which stands for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A, is where the most senior ministers and officials respond to national threats. The death toll is expected to rise on both sides as the crisis continues.