Hamas Terror Attacks in Southern Israel: Witnesses Reveal Shocking Scenes of Carnage
The recent wave of Hamas terror attacks in Southern Israel has left a lasting impact on the volunteers at United Hatzalah, Israel’s community-based emergency medical services organization. As ordinary citizens turned certified first responders, these brave individuals were called upon to provide life-saving treatment amidst scenes of unimaginable horror.
Early in the morning of October 7, as rocket sirens pierced the air across the country, including the town of Beit Shemesh, United Hatzalah volunteers received a mass message alerting them to an urgent need for assistance in Southern Israel. The details were scarce but the emergency was deemed critical.
Volunteer medic Galeano recounts the heart-wrenching journey that unfolded as she rushed to the scene. Within just ten minutes, she bid farewell to her loved ones and joined an ambulance driver and fellow volunteer on Route 232, a road that runs along the Gaza strip. Little did they know the horrific sights that awaited them.
Shortly after they set out on their mission, they encountered a minivan on the road. Stopping to investigate, they discovered a devastating sight – an entire family had been ruthlessly murdered. A father figure sat motionless in the front seat, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and back. In the rear, a bleeding mother lay slumped over a car seat, shielding her baby who had also succumbed to a fatal headshot. The mother’s final act was one of selfless protection.
Tragically, this was only the beginning of the atrocities that awaited the United Hatzalah team. As they continued along the road, they came across more cars containing murdered families. The streets were strewn with the bodies of innocent civilians, their bloodied forms bearing the marks of unimaginable violence. Babies, children, women, and men had all fallen victim to the brutal onslaught carried out by Hamas terrorists.
Galeano describes the scenes as a void of humanity, a place filled with violation and the senseless taking of innocent lives. A place where entire families were wiped out, leaving behind a trail of devastation that will forever haunt those who bore witness.
The harrowing experiences during that week of response and treatment have left an indelible mark on the lives of United Hatzalah volunteers. Their sense of alertness has heightened, even in mundane situations. Galeano recounts an incident at a supermarket when her instincts kicked in, urging her to warn a mother and her baby of potential danger. The mother reminded her of the one she had found lying over her deceased child.
Back at home, Galeano lives with the constant reminder of her responsibilities. A special radio and emergency equipment are kept close at hand, ensuring she can respond to nearby calls for help promptly. The safety of her own children is a constant concern, with regular drills teaching them to seek shelter whenever sirens blare. Yet, the booms and explosions serve as painful reminders that normalcy is a distant dream.
Despite the fear that accompanies each departure from home, Galeano remains resolute in her commitment to protect her family and community. She understands that her role as a medic is not only to treat the wounded but also to provide a shield of safety against the horrors that plague their nation.
This tragic chapter in Israel’s history serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the insidious nature of terrorism. As volunteers like Galeano continue to bravely respond to emergencies, their actions reflect the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of darkness. The world must bear witness to the atrocities committed, embracing the responsibility to ensure that such acts are never repeated in our lifetime.
