Above the blood-stained floor and a parenting book entitled ‘Evolving Together Week by Week’ lies a wedding photo belonging to Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky, a couple who were tragically killed by Hamas terrorists at the Kfar Aza kibbutz in Israel. Inside their home, there is an open packet of the popular peanut snack ‘Bamba’ on a table, next to an open fridge with moldy and rotting food. A darkening red smear can be seen under the sink, and a larger blood stain covers a baby’s cot in a nearby bedroom. Outside, abandoned near a pair of baby swings, is a double buggy. The bloated corpse of a Hamas fighter dressed in military gear can also be found nearby.

A 30-year-old soldier from Tel Aviv, who cannot reveal his identity for security reasons, described the horrifying scene at Kfar Aza. He mentioned seeing many terrible things, including dozens of bodies, murdered kibbutzniks, women killed in their beds, and numerous dead babies. One of the things that affected him the most was the sight of a parenting book followed by the discovery of the mother’s body, covered in blood. The soldier expressed his disbelief and inability to understand such levels of hate.

The Kfar Aza kibbutz, once home to 800 people, was attacked by over 100 heavily-armed Hamas gunmen. They breached the gate that separates Israel from Gaza and began shooting. Fierce battles between Hamas fighters and Israeli soldiers ensued for four days until the IDF regained control of the kibbutz. Unused ammunition, hand grenades, and bombs were found near the corpses of Hamas fighters, posing a potential threat.

While the IDF has not provided specific casualty figures for Kfar Aza, the overall death toll in Israel is close to 2,000 and rising. However, there is a small glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky were able to save their 10-month-old twins by hiding them in a shelter inside their home. The twins were rescued by advancing soldiers who fought door-to-door to retake the settlement.

The Kfar Aza kibbutz, along with other settlements along the Israel-Gaza border, is where the IDF plans to launch their retaliatory attack. Israeli soldiers have been patrolling the area and preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza. Howitzer cannons and tanks are already stationed nearby, ready to respond. The aim is to restore safety and make the borders secure once again.

The attack at Kfar Aza serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The tragedy has deeply affected not only the Berdichevsky family but also the entire nation of Israel. Many are grieving the loss of loved ones or know someone who was killed or kidnapped. The people of Israel are determined to reclaim their safety and ensure that their borders are protected.