Residents of the Gaza Strip are already used to daily vigilance against rocket fire from Gaza and running to shelters, and it seems that the fear and tension may get the better of them - but following the "Dawn" operation that opened this (Friday) afternoon, they are expressing support for the IDF.
"We fully support the army, even if it is uncomfortable, it was clear that no one did it for their own fun," says Adi Cheri, a member of Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
The IDF attacks the Burj (Tower) Palestine in Gaza, photo: according to Article 27A
In a conversation with Israel Hayom, while hearing the echoes of the explosions from Gaza and the progress of the shelter organization for any response that may not come, Cheri expresses support for the security system and backs it up.
"Of course, the state wants to minimize damage, and it's no surprise that the operation began," she says.
"Together with all the roadblocks in our area, it didn't feel like we were going to calm down. I'm sure we'll do everything possible not to enter into a long operation because the financial and emotional price it will take on us and the entire country will be very high."
The IDF in a message to the residents of Gaza: Who does Hamas care more about?
According to her, despite the backing, there is no joy in her heart about the operation.
"It's not that we're jubilant, but somewhere we have to say 'enough', that it's impossible to play games with us anymore."
Regarding the tension in the last few days, she said: "It was a strange situation. Your brain says you are in danger, but you turn around and everything is quiet. It is actually a routine that we are not used to being rushed now that the operation has started, I have no dissonance. I really believe that they tried to do everything - but the other side also has to want in so doing".
Our conversation is interrupted by the fall of an IED from Gaza in an open area. "It was frightening," she admits. "It came out of nowhere and we were not warned - because we are close to a fence, we received a push."
Standby in Soroka
In the meantime, at the Soroka Hospital, preparations are being made in the shadow of the security situation for any possible scenario and in accordance with the directives of the Home Front Command.
In a statement on behalf of the hospital, it was stated: "The medical teams are available and ready to respond immediately and in accordance with developments, as they may be. Directional signs to protected areas are located in the open spaces for the benefit of the visiting public."
The emergency meeting in Soroka,
The director of the Soroka Medical Center, Dr. Shlomi Kodesh: "We are holding headquarters meetings to assess the situation and to continue the operation and prepare the hospital accordingly.
In the first stage, and in accordance with the emergency scenarios, we are preparing to transfer patients from non-protected areas to protected areas.
Meanwhile, the hospital continues to provide dedicated medical care to the residents of the Negev and is ready for any possible scenario."
Emergency meeting in Ashkelon
A little while ago, the Ashkelon municipality also held a situation assessment in light of the declaration of a special situation in the home front.
Assessment of the situation in Ashkelon Municipality, photo: Ashkelon Municipality spokespeople
The mayor, Tomer Glam, said at the end of the special meeting: "I immediately directed the opening of the public shelters in the city and the opening of the municipal emergency room with the participation of all the emergency units in the city.
The municipal hotline operates with increased forces and our teams are deployed in the field in order to provide you with an immediate response to any issue and need.
Please maintain a high level of vigilance, adhere to the instructions of the Home Front Command, which are attached here, and stick to them.
Past experience shows that they save lives and this is the most important task that is assigned to us in these hours."
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us
