Covering the Israel-Hamas war
Hello from Tel Aviv, where I have spent the last few days on the ground covering the Israeli-Hamas war.
After getting in on Friday, I headed straight out to a military base in Ramla where a team of volunteers and soldiers are collecting and identifying the bodies of victims of the Hamas massacre on 7 October. You can read my piece here.
On Saturday, I headed south to Be’er Sheba on a train which normally never runs on Shabbat but as Israel puts itself on a war-footing the trains are running everyday to bring soldiers and reservists returning home around the country. Somewhat randomly ended up beside a young Israeli soldier whose mother was born in Belfast. You can listen to my radio report here.
I’ve also been following the situation for Irish people and their families trapped in Gaza. You can read my two stories on how they’ve ended up trapped in the middle of a diplomatic power play while Israeli forces strike around them here and here.
I also gave a general update to Newstalk on the mood in Israel, the families of hostages in Gaza, and how the evacuation order that has created chaos across the Gaza strip could leave another generation of Palestinians permanently exiled. You can listen here
And took a breather at sunset and sent a few messages to Jewish and Palestinian friends to check how they were doing - would recommend checking in with people after this incredibly painful week.
Some other articles worth reading
What’s happening in the West Bank: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/15/they-want-revenge-theyre-saying-either-we-die-or-you-die-west-bank-residents-fear-rising-tide-of-violence?CMP=share_btn_tw
Seven days of terror that shook the world and changed the Middle East:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/seven-days-of-terror-that-shook-the-world-and-changed-the-middle-east
A Hamas leader refuses to admit his group planned to kill civilians (paywall)
https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/10/11/a-hamas-leader-refuses-to-admit-his-group-planned-to-kill-civilians
Afghanistan hit by another earthquake in Herat region:
https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/10/15/photos-afghanistan-hit-by-another-earthquake-in-herat-region
Some other journalists and accounts worth following:
https://twitter.com/malonebarry
https://twitter.com/MairavZ
https://twitter.com/AzmatZahra
https://twitter.com/nida_journo
I have some question from my instagram that I will respond to in the next email!
Also if you have questions about my reporting feel free to email me with them.
Much love and please don’t retweet misinformation xXx
Hannah