'Israel has a right to defend itself': Joe Biden offers support after Hamas' attack

"The world is seeing appalling images. Thousands of rockets raining down on Israeli cities. Hamas terrorists killing not only Israeli soldiers, but civilians on the streets and in their homes. It’s unconscionable. Israel has a right to defend itself – full stop," Biden said.

The number of people killed in Israel amid the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has exceeded 300, and over 1,500 people have been injured, media reports said.

Biden spoke on phone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to offer U.S. support.

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The two leaders have had strained relations but met in New York last month in a showing of solidarity.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reduce its Gaza hideouts to "rubble". In Gaza, more than 230 have been killed in Israel's response.

Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to avenge what he said was a "black day" for Israel, saying the army will strike back at Hamas in Gaza with full force.

"The IDF (army) is about to use all its force to destroy Hamas's capabilities. We'll strike them to the bitter end and avenge with force this black day they brought on Israel and its people," he said.

The United States will continue to provide Israel close and deep intelligence sharing amid the escalation in Gaza, a senior US administration official said during a conference call.

"We will continue to provide Israel with support during this critical time, including close, deep intelligence sharing," the US official said on Saturday.

Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning. The Israeli army said Hamas fired more than 3,000 rockets, adding that dozens of Hamas troops infiltrated border areas in southern Israel.

The Israeli military has since sent troops to the southern territories to reconquer them from the Palestinian forces.

Israeli media reported earlier in the day that over 300 people were killed and more than 1,500 others were injured in Israel as a result of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. At the same time, the Palestinian Health Ministry said that more than 195 people have been killed and over 1,600 injured in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.