The situation in Israel remains fraught with tension. The recent wave of terror attacks by Hamas groups, which include both infiltrations and rocket assaults, has claimed over 1,200 lives, particularly affecting the southern region of Israel bordering the Gaza Strip. Ashkelon, one of the largest cities in southern Israel, has transformed into an eerie ghost town, no longer resembling its normal self.
From noon to midnight, the city is plagued by a series of siren alarms, perpetuating a constant state of anxiety since the rocket onslaught began. Many commercial establishments across the city have shuttered their doors, with only a few early-morning coffee shops opening their doors. Here, armed forces and civilians who serve in reserve forces share moments of camaraderie, sipping coffee amidst a backdrop of concerns and threats.
Noa, a local at one of these coffee shops, expresses a sense of unease but remains resolute, as they are all united in the fight to protect their homeland. The rocket attacks have inflicted substantial damage on several houses in the city. Families who managed to escape the initial rocket assaults returned only to witness the devastation of their homes.
Nancy, a resident of Ashkelon who lost her home due to the conflict, shares her harrowing experience. "It’s terrifying, we lost everything. We are very young, and our children are very little," she says, as she cares for her three children, including a four-year-old. For Nancy, this situation parallels a "holocaust."
Amidst ongoing attacks in the city, another looming threat arises. Reports suggest that on Wednesday night, nearly seven terrorists infiltrated the city, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain indoors.
Taylor, another Ashkelon resident, recounts the attack on his home and voices deep concern over the looming threat of further attacks by Hamas terrorists. Even Taylor's grandmother, an admirer of Indian music, graciously offers coffee to the India Today team, masking her underlying fears for her family's safety.
In the city, every house is equipped with a secure room featuring a 30 mm iron wall layered with sturdy cement construction. When sirens wail, families seek refuge in these rooms, as witnessed by the India Today team during several alerts on Wednesday.
The city's streets are deserted, enveloped in an eerie silence occasionally disrupted only by the continuous presence of helicopters in the sky and along the coastline. The once-bustling recreational spaces near the coastal region have transformed into desolate expanses, devoid of any Israeli individuals.
So intense is the prevailing fear that locals reported a potential terror infiltration when an India Today journalist was filming at the seashore. Ashkelon's mariners have left their boats docked at the port marina, which was previously a bustling hub but now resembles a ghost town.
To secure the coastal line from potential Hamas incursions, the coastguard, navy, and military maintain a vigilant watch. Local residents are prohibited from venturing into the water with their boats, as last night's events saw terrorists infiltrating via the sea route, some of whom were subsequently neutralized by the army.
Eighty-year-old Doris reflects on the haunting desolation of the port marina, a sight she has never witnessed before. While she is distressed by the actions of Hamas in her homeland, the loss of vibrancy in what was once a thriving place pains her even more. Doris remains hopeful that this time, Hamas will be defeated, paving the way for lasting peace in Israel.
Israel and its citizens have not encountered such dire circumstances in recent decades. The challenges faced are unparalleled, leaving the populace gripped by fear and uncertainty, with life coming to a grinding halt and the threat persisting.
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