“War does not determine who is right– only who is left.”
These harrowing words echo through the silent streets of the most populous urban Israeli region, Tel Aviv.
Missiles have been as common as shooting stars in Israel and Palestine for decades now, considering the unresolved geopolitical conflict. But the unfortunate day of October 7, 2023, recorded the “largest” and “deadliest” terror attacks on Israel in years.
Earlier, missiles targeted at the Iron Dome were so frequent that people would continue their day unbothered. But the attacks on Saturday were different. The bloodthirsty intention behind the rockets was a testament to waging a war.
The Hamas militant group men wreaked havoc throughout the day and committed atrocities along the Gaza Strip border. Harrowing news of killings, assaults, abductions, and bombings had shaken the entire world, where no border but humanity was at stake.
The terror attacks got international exposure when the Supernova music festival massacre recorded over 260 attendees killed and more people abducted and taken hostages, which also included foreign tourists.
The Israeli rescue service Zaka reported over 700 deaths and more than 300 people missing as the Hamas group intruded into people’s homes to kill them, recording one of the worst cases of human rights violation in years.
Israel retaliated as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned the citizens in a video statement:
“We are at war. … I call on all citizens of Israel to unite to achieve our highest goal – victory in the war.”
Considering that the Americans were also victims of these terror attacks, the U.S. has pledged its support to Israel, as Joe Biden sanctions military aid with fighter jets, missiles, ammunition, and more.
Panic has struck both nations, as civilians are the only ones to lose. And waking up to this nightmare are the people living in the most bustling city of Israel, Tel Aviv. People in international business, tourists, citizens, travelers, international students, and a wide array of demography are currently inhabiting the city.
The Hamas rocket barrage on October 7 struck down two buildings in Tel Aviv, injuring four people. Amidst the ongoing war, everyone in Tel Aviv has seemed to take refuge or planning to flee from the country as soon as possible. People are crammed at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, with many left stranded after the last flight out of Israel. However, the airport is also under red alert after the city was targeted with air missiles on October 9.
What Is Going On in Tel Aviv, Israel?
The helplessly harrowing images from the airport are a projection of the worst is yet to come. After the deadly three-way attacks through land, sea, and air on October 7, the lively city of Tel Aviv has changed into an apocalyptic scene. People scurried to save their lives after the gruesome massacre of over 1,000 innocent civilians.
The impending threat has become the catalyst for panic in the city, where tourists were asked to seek refuge inside the bunkers in their hotels. While a few fortunate people managed to book a flight, the uncertainty of whether they would land safely amidst the air strike was more horrifying.
In contrast, several optimistic people who believed that the attacks wouldn’t escalate had the ground swept beneath them.
In the most desperate moments, the ex-prime minister of Israel was also seen at the airport in Tel Aviv to escape from the war-struck country.
On the other side, Israel has initiated attacks on Gaza, resulting in a similar number of casualties, as the city remains in ruins.
What is your take on the ongoing war? Do you think the countries taking sides with either Israel or Palestine are only perpetuating the war further? Do you think this is the start of World War 3?
What would you advise the people of Tel Aviv in such a situation? Let us know in the comments section below.
