The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has hit more than 500 targets in the Gaza Strip in the ongoing war with Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant group.

The Israeli army early Monday, October 9 said more than 700 Israelis had been killed since Hamas launched a surprise large-scale attack on Saturday.

According to IDF, another 2,150 Israelis had been injured after the militant group launched a barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel.

IDF: Hamas more barbaric than ISIS

“Hamas is more barbaric and more brutal than ISIS. Let me be crystal clear… Israel will respond with determination and force to their unprovoked war crimes. Hamas murdered hundreds of Israelis and took dozens hostage into Gaza. This horrific terror act demands a forceful, determined and sustained response, which is exactly what we are doing and continue to do,” Head of IDF Spokesperson’s Unit Daniel Hagari said.

In retaliation, Israeli air strikes have hit and blockaded Gaza Strip, an enclave of 2.3 million people, with officials there reporting at least 413 Palestinian deaths.

“Our air force is attacking hundreds of Hamas and Islaic Jihad targets in Gaza. We follow international law, while exercising our right and responsibility to protect our civilians,” Hagari added.

3,284 rockets? This is more than 9/11

Information from IDF says Hamas fired a total of 3,284 rockets into Israel from Gaza.

“Never before have so many Israelis been killed by one single thing, let alone enemy activity in one day,” he said.

“This could be a 9/11 and a Pearl Harbour wrapped into one,” IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said.

The AFP reports that around 100,000 reserve troops have been deployed to the south as the IDF battles to expel Hamas fighters from Israeli territory.