World
South African Resident in Modiin Village Shares Harrowing Experiences Amid Weekend Incursions
The recent incursions into Israel from Gaza over the weekend have left a trail of devastation and numerous fatalities. Among those who have witnessed the turmoil firsthand is Uri Marks, a 49-year-old South African resident in Modiin village, who shared his harrowing experiences with News24.
According to Scrolla, Uri Marks had been amid festive preparations for a religious celebration when his day took a drastic turn due to an unexpected barrage of rockets from Gaza. He recounted, “In the morning before going to the synagogue I could hear explosions in the distance. A lot of them, so we knew something serious was happening.”
The constant threat of conflict is a reality for many in Israel. Uri expressed the prevailing uncertainty, saying, “Life in Israel is lived under constant threat and we assumed the army was doing something. We had no idea how tragic the scenario was.”
Uri conveyed that he and his family are currently safe, albeit in a state of high alert. “My family and I, like many others, are together and we’re staying at home close to the bomb shelter. Fighting is still going on and we don’t really know how this is going to play out.”
He said the situation is distressing. He emphasised the gravity of the events unfolding. “This is one of our darkest days. It’s unfathomable. There are children that have been killed in the street. Elderly people were killed where they sat in their wheelchairs. People at a music festival were hunted down and killed. It’s devastating.”
Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, has been closely monitoring the situation and confirmed the safety of a group of South African women on a religious trip. However, Israeli Ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotsercovsky, expressed concerns about South Africans potentially being caught in the crossfire. However, he noted it was too early to provide specific information.
The death toll in the region is rising. Reports indicate just over 1,000 casualties so far.
Also read:
Amnesty International SA Calls for Global Intervention in Israel
Picture: X / AnandShankerBJP
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