IDF offers operational update on response to Hamas assault: 'They went for civilians'

Israeli Defense Force International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht offered an update on the country's response to Hamas' unprecedented surprise attack on the country this weekend.

Israeli Defense Force International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht offered an update on the country's response to Hamas' unprecedented surprise attack on the country this weekend.

Hecht says the attack virtually ignored military targets in favor of going after civilians, with more dozens of Israeli citizens being taken hostage. At least 600 Israelis were killed in the attack, and at least 2,000 were injured. Hecht added that Israel's response to the attack will be "very, very severe."

"They attacked us on the ground, in the air and through the sea," he said. "They didn't go for military targets, they went for civilians. They went for grandmothers, children, babies. This event is still unfolding. The numbers are unprecedented."

"We are going to respond very, very severly to this. In the upcoming, it's going to be a long round. We are going to do whatever is needed. This style of attack is barbaric. The visuals are ISIL visuals. In a way, this is our 9-11," he added.

Teh death toll is likely to rise as Israeli forces push further into the affected territory and carry out hostage rescue operations.