At least 600 victims, 2200 injured, 750 missing and over 100 people kidnapped. This is the outcome of the last 48 hours of armed clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. A dramatic escalation of violence in the Middle East that risks sparking a war not seen for 50 years. Israel responded to missiles launched from the Gaza Strip by sending dozens of fighter planes.

It all started yesterday, Saturday 7 October, at the crack of dawn. Commander Mohammad Deif, at the helm of Hamas, the paramilitary political organization that manages part of the Palestinian territories, had formalized the start of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation: according to estimates at least 5000 rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, while the militiamen penetrated the territories governed by Tel Aviv.

Today the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, authorized the country's entry into a state of war. The Jewish State, caught by surprise, suddenly found itself yesterday dealing with hundreds of deaths and an unprecedented hostage taking. An attack arrives on the day that closed the Jewish holidays of Sukkot.

Officials in Tel Aviv say that the Israeli Air Force, according to the most recent tally, has hit around 800 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, killing 370 people and capturing dozens of fighters. Meanwhile, the United States has said that naval ships and planes will be moved close to Israel's coasts as a show of support.