It’s “terrifying”

Children and families are caught in the crossfire of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, many sheltering in bunkers and basements, praying not to be hit by Hamas’ rockets or Israel’s air strikes.

In Canada, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called on the government to halt Canadian weapons sales to Israel, while Prime Minister Trudeau responded by asking all sides to protect civilians and end the violence, saying rocket attacks against Israel as well as violence at an iconic mosque are “unacceptable.”

This week The Toronto Star reporter Nicholas KeungI spoke to Israeli and Palestinian families in Canada who are fearful for loved ones caught in the fighting.

“We all have been worried about the (COVID-19) lockdown. But my family and others who have families in Israel, they are in bomb shelters. One of them just sent me a picture of a missile landed right outside of their house,” Toronto resident Elana Carr told Keugle.

“They were crying on the phone,” said Ahmad Jadallah, who’s Palestinian family is in the Gaza Strip. “They said they have no safe spot in Gaza, and they don’t know where to go.”

The CBC podcast Front Burner has produced a moving episode titled “Understanding the latest Israel-Hamas fighting.” Journalist Irris Makler provides important background into the roots of the current explosion of conflict, which she describes as “terrifying” for those trying to seek shelter from the relentless attacks.

Listen to “Understanding the latest Israel-Hamas fighting” on CBC’s Front Burner.