The Israeli government formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday, CNN reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu already said Saturday the country was at war — but that declaration was rhetorical. Sunday’s move by the Israeli cabinet is an official decision.
The war declaration was taken in accordance with Article 40 of Israel’s Basic Law, the Israeli government press office said. Israel does not have a written constitution, but its 13 Basic Laws serve a similar function.
Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes, which have killed more than 300 people.
At least 370 Palestinians have been killed and 2,200 others wounded in Gaza since Saturday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.
More than 600 people have been killed in Israel since Hamas launched its surprise attack Saturday — and the death toll is expected to rise further, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer told CNN on Sunday.
