ANKARA

The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which were launched after a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday, reached 370, according to the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave.

The ministry in a statement on Facebook on Sunday said over 2,200 Palestinians were also wounded, and warned of a shortage of medical supplies amid increase in the number of patients.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, saying it was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas, launching airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, climbed to at least 600, and the Security Cabinet approved the war situation and "taking of significant military steps, as per Article 40 of Basic Law."