NATO Defence ministers called on the Hamas movement to immediately release all captives and recognised Israel’s right to defend itself “with proportionality,” the alliance said in a statement on Thursday.

“Allies expressed solidarity with Israel, making clear that it has the right to defend itself with proportionality against these unjustifiable acts of terror.

“They called for Hamas to immediately release all hostages and for the fullest possible protection of civilians. Allies also made clear that no nation or organisation should seek to take advantage of the situation or to escalate it,” the statement said.

The Hamas attack on Saturday was accompanied by the infiltration of thousands of fighters from the Gaza Strip into Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Thursday.

“On Saturday at 7 o’clock in the morning, Hamas began a war against children, women, and entire families.

“Thousands of terrorists have crossed our southern border, firing thousands of missiles at the same time,” Mr Gallant said during his address to a NATO defence ministers meeting.

(Sputnik/NAN)