700 dead in Israel as it “declares war” on Hamas : BBC News

DefenceNews: Israel witnessed its deadliest offensive in 50 years as Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented attack killing at least 700 Israelis. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed "mighty vengeance". What is the situation on the ground on day 3 of the war? Is Israel preparing for a ground offensive next?

The Palestinian militants are believed to have seized as many as 100 hostages during their surprise attacks in Israel.

The gunmen infiltrated Jewish communities near the border with Gaza, killing and seizing civilians and soldiers. Social media images show women and children are among those seized and taken to Gaza by the Hamas gunmen. 

Israel has launched a wave of attacks in the Gaza strip in retaliation with reports that hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been killed.