What's happened
In Bat Yam, Israel, a missile strike killed nine people, including five Ukrainians, amid escalating conflict with Iran. The attack devastated the community and left many, including makeup artist Tetiana Kurakova, displaced and traumatized. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing violence that began with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Conflict
- The recent missile strike in Bat Yam is part of a broader conflict that has seen Israel and Iran exchange hostilities, with Israel targeting Iranian military capabilities and Iran responding with missile attacks.
Impact on Ukrainian Refugees
- The strike highlights the precarious situation of Ukrainian refugees in Israel, many of whom fled their homeland due to the war with Russia, only to face new dangers in their host country.
- Tetiana Kurakova's experience underscores the psychological toll of repeated trauma, as she grapples with the fear and uncertainty of her safety.
Broader Implications
- This incident raises questions about the adequacy of shelter and safety measures for residents in older buildings in Israel, particularly in conflict zones.
- The ongoing violence may further complicate the humanitarian situation for refugees and local populations, as resources become strained and safety concerns escalate.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reported that the missile strike was the deadliest in a week-long conflict, stating, "It was the deadliest single strike from Iran in seven days of conflict." The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that the strike left a landscape reminiscent of the war many had fled, with Kurakova expressing, "It felt like a nightmare. I can’t even describe how big it was." The NY Post highlighted the personal impact on Kurakova, who stated, "I feel terrified inside and outside. I feel terrified by the hopelessness." This illustrates the emotional and physical toll of the conflict on individuals, particularly those who have already faced significant trauma.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes. This week-long conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Israel, particularly affecting communities with large Ukrainian populations.
Go deeper
- What led to the missile strike in Bat Yam?
- How are Ukrainian refugees coping in Israel?
- What measures are being taken for safety in conflict zones?
Common question
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How is the Conflict Between Israel and Iran Affecting Air Travel?
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to significant disruptions in air travel across the Middle East. With major airlines suspending flights and airspace closures becoming common, travelers are left wondering how these developments will impact their plans. Below are some frequently asked questions that shed light on the current situation.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Bat Yam (Hebrew: בת ים ) is a city on Israel's Mediterranean Sea coast, on the Central Coastal Plain just south of Tel Aviv. It is part of the Gush Dan metropolitan area and the Tel Aviv District. In 2022, it had a population of 128,465.