Sydney, Jerusalem | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israelis to brace for a “long and difficult war” with Hamas militants after an unprecedented attack that stunned the country and left hundreds dead.

Backed by a barrage of rockets, Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns, killing dozens and abducting others in a multipronged surprise attack during a major Jewish holiday on Saturday. Hundreds of militants entered the country on paragliders, motorbikes and boats in the attack that inflicted the worst death toll in decades.

AP