‘Smell of death is everywhere’: Inside Israeli kibbutz attacked by Hamas

Abrar Ahmed
Estimated read time 3 min read

The devastation stands as a testament to the intense conflict that unfolded between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli military.

In Kfar Aza, Israel, a haunting atmosphere of death pervades, with the remains of Israeli civilians, soldiers, foreign workers, and Palestinian combatants scattered across the grounds. This kibbutz in Israel fell victim to a harrowing attack by Hamas fighters last Saturday.

The Israeli military, proceeding with caution, entered the kibbutz near the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after a three-day encirclement. Their apprehension stemmed from concerns about potential remaining fighters inside or the possibility of another incursion from besieged Gaza.

Parachute remnants dangled from trees and rooftops, remnants of the Palestinian fighters who had landed in the kibbutz.

Soldiers began the grim task of tallying the Israeli casualties, placing them into body bags for removal from the kibbutz. The final count of the deceased and missing has not yet been made public.

The bodies of Palestinian combatants lay on the ground, slowly deteriorating.

The extensive devastation surrounding the area bears witness to the sheer intensity of the confrontation between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli military.

It seemed as though there had been an eruption of chaos and confrontation at every turn. The ground was littered with weapons and spent bullet casings, while charred remnants of cars were scattered throughout the streets.

The Israeli military commenced controlled detonations of certain items and began collecting other weapons.

An Israeli soldier involved in the recovery efforts noted that Saturday’s operation marked the most extensive in the annals of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

As journalists were escorted away, a wave of alarm coursed through the Israeli soldiers, and reports surfaced of the return of Palestinian fighters to the area.

Kibbutz
Kfar Aza, surrounded by farms and just a few minutes down a country road from the heavily fortified fence Israel erected around Gaza, is one of more than 20 towns and villages attacked by Palestinian fighters early on Saturday. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]

Advertisement

Kibbutz
A vest belonging to one of the Hamas fighters lying on the ground. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]
Kibbutz
The name of the kibbutz means ‘Gaza village’ in English. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]
Kibbutz
On the town’s perimeter, the gate that once protected residents had been blasted open. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]
Kibbutz
By the time journalists were escorted into the town on Tuesday, rescuers had already removed the bodies of most of the villagers killed in the attack. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]
Kibbutz
Some of the fighters’ bodies could still be seen lying on streets around the kibbutz. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]

Advertisement

Kibbutz
Many weapons lay on the ground. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]
Kibbutz
There was no official death toll from Kfar Aza as of Tuesday evening, with Israeli soldiers still searching homes they suspect may be booby-trapped with explosives. [Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Al Jazeera]
Kibbutz
The military spokesperson at the site said dozens of residents had been killed in the attack. [Faiz Abu

Avatar for Abrar Ahmed
Abrar Ahmed http://inewsagency.uk

Abrar Ahmed is a Pakistani journalist, columnist, writer, and author known for contributing to journalism and conflict resolution. He was born in March 1982. He holds a master's degree from the University of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffarabad and studied at Quaid E Azam University.

Abrar Ahmed is recognized as the founder of several notable organizations, including the Institute of Research for Conflict Resolution and Social Development, Ikhtilaf News Media and Publications, and Daily Sutoon Newspaper. Additionally, he established the Save Humanity Foundation, reflecting his commitment to humanitarian causes.

As a journalist, columnist, and author, Abrar Ahmed has written extensively on various subjects. He has authored several books, including "Tehreek E Azadi key Azeem Surkhaik," "Corruption Key Keerhay," "Masla e Kashmir ka Hal Aalmi Aman ka Rasta," and "Pakistan and Azad Kashmir Political System and New System Needed." These books cover topics ranging from the struggle for freedom, corruption, the Kashmir issue, and the need for political reform.

Abrar Ahmed has also contributed to education through his text books, such as "Modern Community Development Ideas" and "Basic Journalism," which have helped educate and shape the minds of aspiring journalists and community development professionals.

In summary, Abrar Ahmed is a multifaceted individual who has made significant contributions to journalism, conflict resolution, and education in Pakistan. His work as a writer and founder of various organizations reflects his dedication to promoting positive change and addressing critical issues in society

You May Also Like

More From Author

+ There are no comments

Add yours