Israel’s military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders on Monday, as it pounded the Gaza Strip from the air and mustered for a campaign its prime minister said would destroy “the military and governing capabilities” of the militant group. World figures continued to share their thoughts on the unabating conflict. UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, called it an "appalling act of terror". Pope Francis called for an end to the fighting. At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel - a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades - and more than 400 have been killed in Gaza. Palestinian militant groups claimed to be holding over 130 captives from the Israeli side.