Israel has not requested practical assistance from Latvia or other EU member states - Foreign Ministry

RIGA - Israel has not asked Latvia or other EU member states for any practical assistance, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Diana Eglite told LETA, commenting on developments in Israel.

"Latvia has expressed solidarity with the people of Israel, strongly condemning the attacks by the Hamas terrorist group. Latvia's ability to provide assistance to Israel will be assessed depending on the development of the situation and the receipt of Israel's request," Eglite said, adding that the Foreign Ministry would continue to closely monitor the unfolding situation.

It has already been reported that more than 900 people have been killed in Israel since the Palestinian Islamist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched their invasion on Saturday morning.

The vast majority of the victims are civilians, and only 73 are soldiers.

Around 150 people have been taken hostage by the militants and taken to the Gaza Strip. There are both military and civilians among the hostages, including women, children and the elderly.

A Hamas spokesman told the AP that the militants were still in Israel and that new hostages had been taken as recently as Monday evening.