Hamas announces it is on the verge of a great victory

(Patria) - Hamas is "on the verge of a great victory", said the head of its political bureau.

The Palestinian militant group launched an attack on Israel this morning, firing thousands of rockets and entering the country by boats, paragliders and trucks, RSE reports.

Its fighters have also captured Israeli soldiers and civilians, and the Israeli army has confirmed that there are active hostage situations in two towns - Ofakim and Beeri.

"We are on the verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front", said Ismail Haniyeh and added:

“Hamas is leading the battle with all factions of the resistance and the heroes of the Palestinian people. We see scenes of heroism of people who were faithful to what they promised God and created a gateway to great victory for our people and our nation".

Hamas announced that "Israeli prisoners have been placed in safe places and tunnels".

They did not provide any details about where these "safe places" or tunnels are located, or whether they are in Gaza or Israel.

An Israeli army spokesperson had earlier confirmed that Palestinian militants had abducted "soldiers and civilians", and that there had been hostage situations in the kibbutzim of Ofakim and Be'eri, involving special forces, the BBC reports.