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At least 18 killed, dozens wounded in Israeli bombing in north Gaza

Jerusalem, Israel (DT) – At least 18 Palestinians were killed Thursday after Israel bombed a school housing displaced persons in Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian medical sources.

The strike, which mostly killed children and elderly people, also wounded at least 42 others, medical sources at Al Awda hospital in Nuseirat said, warning that the casualty toll could rise further.

The bombing targeted the Al Suhada school in Nuseirat, which was housing hundreds of displaced people, according to Palestinian media.

RELATED NEWS : Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon kill at least 35, injure over 150

In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike had targeted โ€œHamas terrorists who were operating inside a command and control center (โ€ฆ) which was embedded inside a compound that previously servedโ€ as a school.

The IDF added that โ€œnumerous stepsโ€ had been taken prior to the strike to limit harm to civilians.

In recent hours, Israeli artillery attacks have also been reported in Bureij, a refugee camp near Nuseirat, with one death confirmed so far.

In the southern city of Khan Yunis, another Israeli strike on a house killed three people, according to Palestinian sources.

At least 55 Palestinians have been killed and 132 wounded in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours amid an Israeli offensive targeting the towns of Beit Lahia and Jabalia in the north of the enclave.

Over 800 people have been killed since the siege of northern Gaza began on Oct. 4, when Israel ordered civilians to evacuate the area.

According to the Hamas-run Gazan health ministry, 42,847 people โ€“ the majority civilians, women and children โ€“ have been killed and over 100,000 wounded since the conflict escalated over a year ago.

An estimated 10,000 bodies are also believed to be buried under the rubble of the enclaveโ€™s destroyed buildings.


SOURCE : EFE |ย  Follow Us:ย Facebookย |ย Instagramย |ย Twitterย |ย Youtubeย |

BRICS condemns Israeli bombings in Lebanon and Gaza, calls for immediate ceasefire

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Moscow/Kazan, Russia (DT) – The BRICS nations on Wednesday condemned Israelโ€™s bombings of Lebanese territory and humanitarian centers in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in both regions.

In its final declaration at the Kazan summit in Russia, the bloc also warned of the global risks posed by escalating tensions.

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โ€œWe stress the urgent need for an immediate comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees from both sides who are being held illegally, and the unimpeded, sustained and large-scale flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, as well as an end to all aggressive actions,โ€ said the declaration.

The bloc condemned the deaths of civilians and the massive damage caused to civilian infrastructure due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

The BRICS call for an โ€œimmediateโ€ end to hostilities in both Gaza and Lebanon.

The joint statement warned that further escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip threatens to increase tensions, extremism, and extremely damaging consequences at the regional and global levels.

The nine BRICS members โ€” Russia, China, Brazil, India, South Africa, along with Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia โ€” also condemned attacks on UN personnel and โ€œthreats to their security,โ€ calling on Israel to immediately cease such actions.

The BRICS countries denounced the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus last April and a recent โ€œterrorist attackโ€ involving Israeli actions in Beirut. โ€œThese actions constitute a serious violation of international law,โ€ the statement added.

The Kazan Declaration was adopted following two meetings, one in a reduced format and another in an expanded format, which lasted over four hours.

Prior to the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with leaders of the groupโ€™s founding countries, and further meetings were held with other attending leaders, including those from Venezuela and Turkey.


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4 killed, 14 injured in โ€˜terrorist attackโ€™ on military aircraft factory in Turkey

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Ankara, Turkey (DT)- At least four people have been killed and 14 were injured Wednesday in what Turkish officials are calling a โ€œterrorist attackโ€ on a state-owned military aircraft factory outside Ankara.

Three of the injured are in a serious condition, Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters.

โ€œTwo terrorists, one male and one female, were neutralized,โ€ he said. Yerlikaya added that investigations into their identities were ongoing.

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Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said the Atlantic alliance โ€œstands with our ally Turkey.โ€

โ€œDeeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. (โ€ฆ) We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely,โ€ Rutte said on X.

The attack occurred shortly before 4pm local time at a Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAลž) factory, which manufactures military aircraft, helicopters and military aeronautical equipment.

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Relatives of employees of TUSAS wait outside as policemen secure the area during a terror attack at (TUSAS) Turkish Aerospace and Aviation Center’s headquarter in Ankara, Turkey 23 October 2024. EFE/EPA/NECATI SAVAS

A large number of police, as well as firefighters and ambulances, were sent to the scene, NTV and CNNTurk reported.

NTV broadcaster said security camera footage showed two alleged assailants getting out of a taxi and opening fire at civilians before heading towards the factory.

A Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor and eight prosecutors have been assigned to the investigation into the attack, NTV reported.


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Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon kill at least 35, injure over 150

Beirut, Lebanon (DT) โ€“ย At least 35 people were killed and over 150 others injured in the latest Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, according to a Saturday report from the Lebanese health ministry.

In a statement on X, the ministry said 17 people were killed and 62 wounded in southern Lebanon.

Three people were killed and 41 wounded in Nabatieh, nearly 75 km south of Beirut, while one person died and 22 were injured in Baalbek, some 90 km east of the capital.

RELATED NEWS : Israeli Airstrike in Central Beirut Kills 9, Injures 14 โ€“ Escalation Continues

Hermel, situated nearly 150 km to the north, reported five deaths and 19 injuries.

The deaths were reported over the past day.

The ministryโ€™s statement also noted that since the start of Israelโ€™s offensive, 2,255 people have been killed, and 10,524 others wounded.

Earlier the ministry said at least nine people were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli airstrikes in two Lebanese villages on Saturday.

One of the attacks occurred in the Barja village, nearly 40 km south of Beirut, which killed four and wounded nearly 15.

Five persons were killed and 14 were wounded in the Israeli raid on al-Maโ€™asara in Keserwan district, northeast of the Lebanese capital.

The Lebanese ministry renewed its call to the media and social networks to promote blood donation in hospitals.

โ€œThere is a clear mechanism coordinated with the Red Cross to ensure blood units are delivered as quickly as necessary and in the right places,โ€ the statement said.

These are new attacks in the Beirut suburbs in the last more than two weeks ago, when Israel began an incessant campaign of bombings against southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahye.

The conflict worsened on Oct. 1 with the Israeli armyโ€™s ground invasion of southern Lebanon, accompanied by intense bombings in the neighbouring country.

The region has been facing intense military tension after Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this month.

Iranโ€™s attack was in response to the recent killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut and former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an operation Israel has neither confirmed nor denied. 


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Internationally Acclaimed Author of The Vegetarian, Han Kang, Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

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Copenhagen, Sweden (DT) โ€“ Han Kang, the internationally renowned author of the novel The Vegetarian, has been awarded the Nobel Prize 2024, in Literature.

The South Korean writer received the prestigious honor for her exceptional contributions to literature, noted for her exploration of trauma, identity, and the human condition with striking emotional depth and poetic clarity.

The Swedish Academy praised Han Kang for her profound ability to explore human suffering, both mental and physical, often linking her themes to Eastern philosophical thought. Her work delves into the complexities of trauma, memory, and the human condition, offering readers a poignant and sometimes unsettling reflection on lifeโ€™s darker aspects.

READ MORE : Nobel Prize in medicine honors Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA

In particular, The Vegetarian, which brought Han Kang global recognition, exemplifies her fearless approach to challenging societal norms and exploring deep emotional and psychological struggles.

The novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, tells the story of a womanโ€™s radical decision to stop eating meat, unfolding themes of rebellion, violence, and transformation.

The Academy highlighted that Han Kangโ€™s works frequently engage with historical traumas, using a poetic narrative style to emphasize the vulnerability of human life. Her stories resonate not only for their emotional depth but also for their philosophical reflections on existence and suffering.

This award marks a historic moment for South Korea, with Han Kang becoming the first South Korean author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her recognition elevates Korean literature onto the global stage, solidifying her place as one of the most significant voices in contemporary world literature.

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The Swedish Academyโ€™s permanent secretary Mats Malm announces that the South Korean writer Han Kang will be awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature in the Swedish Academy in Stockholm, Sweden, 10 October 2024. EFE-EPA/JESSICA GOW SWEDEN OUT

Born in 1970 in Gwangju, Han Kang moved to Seoul with her family at the age of 11. She pursued a degree in Korean literature and began her literary career as a poet. However, it was as a novelist that she gained broader recognition.

In 1994, Han Kang won the Seoul Shinmun Prize for her short story “Red Candle,” marking the beginning of a prolific writing career. Since then, she has published several acclaimed short story collections.

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Chairman of the Nobel Committee for Literature 2024 Anders Olsson speaks to media after the Swedish Academy announced that the South Korean writer Han Kang will be awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature in the Swedish Academy in Stockholm, Sweden, 10 October 2024. EFE-EPA/JESSICA GOW SWEDEN OUT

Why is Nobel Prize Day celebrated on December 10?

The Nobel Prize is awarded on December 10 each year to honor the legacy of Alfred Nobel, the inventor and philanthropist who established the prizes. This date marks the anniversary of his death in 1896.

By choosing this day, the Nobel Foundation commemorates Nobel’s contributions to science, literature, and peace, in accordance with his will, which directed that his fortune be used to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity in these fields.

The Nobel Prize in Literature, like all Nobel Prizes, is awarded as part of this tradition.


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Rafael Nadal Announces Retirement After Davis Cup Final in November

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Madrid, Spain (DT) โ€“ Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced that he will retire from professional tennis following the Davis Cup final in November, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over two decades.*

The 38-year-old Spaniard, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, revealed his decision during a press conference, stating that the Davis Cup will be his final competitive event. “Itโ€™s time for me to say goodbye to the sport Iโ€™ve loved for so long,” Nadal said. “I have given everything I have, and it feels right to step away now, on my own terms.”

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Nadalโ€™s career has been nothing short of remarkable, with 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open victories, solidifying his status as the ‘King of Clay.’ His intense playing style, unrivaled work ethic, and fierce competitive spirit have earned him a dedicated global fanbase.

The Davis Cup final will serve as a fitting conclusion to his storied career, as Nadal has always been a passionate representative of Spain in international competition. He expressed excitement about representing his country one last time and hopes to finish his career on a high note with another team victory.

Tennis fans and players alike have reacted emotionally to the news, paying tribute to Nadal’s legacy as one of the sport’s greatest champions. His retirement will mark the end of an era, but his influence and impact on tennis will endure for generations to come.


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Indiaโ€™s Most Respected Business Icon and Former Chairman of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, Passes Away at 86

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Mumbai, India (DT) โ€“ Ratan Tata, one of Indiaโ€™s most respected business icons and the former chairman of Tata Group, has passed away at the age of 86. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through India and the global business community, with tributes pouring in to honor the visionary leader who transformed Indiaโ€™s oldest conglomerate into a global powerhouse.

Under Ratan Tata’s leadership from 1991 to 2012, the Tata Group became one of India’s largest companies, with annual revenues exceeding $100 billion (ยฃ76.5 billion). Tata spearheaded the expansion of the conglomerate’s global footprint, acquiring major international brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, while also significantly contributing to Indiaโ€™s industrial growth and development.

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In a statement announcing Tata’s death, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, described him as a “truly uncommon leader,” highlighting his unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and his role in shaping the Tata Group’s values.

Ratan Tata was not only a business leader but also a philanthropist, dedicating much of his life to social causes through the Tata Trusts, which he chaired. His work in areas such as healthcare, education, and rural development left a lasting impact on millions of lives in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business leaders from around the world expressed their condolences, praising Tataโ€™s extraordinary contributions to Indian industry and his legacy as a global leader. “Ratan Tata was a beacon of leadership and kindness, shaping India’s future while staying deeply connected to its roots,” Modi said in a statement.

As India mourns the loss of one of its greatest industrialists, Ratan Tataโ€™s legacy of innovation, leadership, and philanthropy will continue to inspire future generations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, stating, “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of Indiaโ€™s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making our society better.”

Indian Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said: “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”

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World Peace Harmony Organizes Peaceful March Against Yeti Narsinghanand, Calls for Action

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New Delhi, India (DT) โ€“ In a powerful demonstration advocating for peace and harmony, the international organization World Peace Harmony conducted a peaceful march today in protest against the inflammatory rhetoric and actions of Yeti Narsinghanand, a controversial religious figure known for his polarizing statements. The event drew significant participation from human rights activists, religious leaders, and peace advocates from across the world.

The peaceful march, led by World Peace Harmony Chairman Shakeel Saifi, saw thousands of members from the Muslim community take to the streets, advocating for unity, tolerance, and coexistence. Following the march on Tuesday, an 11-member delegation, headed by Shakeel Saifi, met with the District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Ghaziabad. The delegation formally demanded the arrest of Mahant Narsinghanand Saraswati of Dasna Temple by filing a case against him under the National Security Act (NSA). This action follows Narsinghanand’s objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad, which have been circulating on social media.

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Haji Shakeel Saifi emphasized the urgency of removing all videos containing the Mahantโ€™s inflammatory statements and insisted on his immediate arrest. The delegation included key community members such as Zakir Ali Saifi, Faiz Saifi, Fazlu Saifi, Shaista Parveen, Naushad Saifi, Haji Danish Saifi, Iqbal Saifi, Samim Saifi, Sarfaraz Saifi, Imran Ahmed, Ansh Iqbal, Wasim, and Imran, all representing the united front of the Muslim community in this cause.

Addressing the gathering after the peaceful march, Haji Shakeel Saifi reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the honor of Prophet Muhammad and standing up against those who seek to divide society. โ€œWe will do everything possible to honor the Prophet and protest against those who destroy humanity and brotherhood. Whether we live or not, unity, mutual love, brotherhood, humanity, and truth should always prevail in our country,โ€ Saifi declared.

World Peace Harmony, renowned for its efforts in promoting global stability, expressed their hope that this demonstration will inspire leaders and citizens alike to reject hate speech and foster an atmosphere of dialogue, understanding, and peace.


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Nobel Prize in medicine honors Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA

Stockholm, Sweden (DT) โ€”This yearโ€™s Nobel Prize honors two scientists Nobel Prize in medicine honors Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA for their discovery of a fundamental principle governing how gene activity is regulated.

The information stored within our chromosomes can be likened to an instruction manual for all cells in our body. Every cell contains the same chromosomes, so every cell contains exactly the same set of genes and exactly the same set of instructions. Yet, different cell types, such as muscle and nerve cells, have very distinct characteristics.

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Nobel Committee chairman Thomas Perlmann, right, announces Americans Victor Ambros, left, and Gary Ruvkun, seen on a screen being awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, during a press conference at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (Christine Olsson/TT Newsย Agencyย viaย Ap)

What is the Nobel Prize for?

RNA is best known for carrying instructions for how to make proteins from DNA in the nucleus of the cell to tiny cellular factories that actually build the proteins. MicroRNA does not make proteins, but helps to control what cells are doing, including switching on and off critical genes that make proteins.

How do these differences arise? The answer lies in gene regulation, which allows each cell to select only the relevant instructions. This ensures that only the correct set of genes is active in each cell type.

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were interested in how different cell types develop. They discovered microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation.

Their groundbreaking discovery revealed a completely new principle of gene regulation that turned out to be essential for multicellular organisms, including humans. It is now known that the human genome codes for over one thousand microRNAs. Their surprising discovery revealed an entirely new dimension to gene regulation. MicroRNAs are proving to be fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function.

Essential regulation


This yearโ€™s Nobel Prize focuses on the discovery of a vital regulatory mechanism used in cells to control gene activity. Genetic information flows from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA), via a process called transcription, and then on to the cellular machinery for protein production. There, mRNAs are translated so that proteins are made according to the genetic instructions stored in DNA. Since the mid-20th century, several of the most fundamental scientific discoveries have explained how these processes work

Our organs and tissues consist of many different cell types, all with identical genetic information stored in their DNA. However, these different cells express unique sets of proteins. How is this possible? The answer lies in the precise regulation of gene activity so that only the correct set of genes is active in each specific cell type.

This enables, for example, muscle cells, intestinal cells, and different types of nerve cells to perform their specialized functions. In addition, gene activity must be continually fine-tuned to adapt cellular functions to changing conditions in our bodies and environment. If gene regulation goes awry, it can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or autoimmunity. Therefore, understanding the regulation of gene activity has been an important goal for many decades.

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The flow of genetic information from DNA to mRNA to proteins. The identical genetic information is stored in DNA of all cells in our bodies. This requires precise regulation of gene activity so that only the correct set of genes is active in each specific cell type.ย ยฉ The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine. Ill. Mattias Karlรฉn

In the 1960s, it was shown that specialized proteins, known as transcription factors, can bind to specific regions in DNA and control the flow of genetic information by determining which mRNAs are produced. Since then, thousands of transcription factors have been identified, and for a long time it was believed that the main principles of gene regulation had been solved. However, in 1993, this yearโ€™s Nobel laureates published unexpected findings describing a new level of gene regulation, which turned out to be highly significant and conserved throughout evolution.

Research on a small worm leads to a big breakthrough

In the late 1980s, Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory of Robert Horvitz, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2002, alongside Sydney Brenner and John Sulston. In Horvitzโ€™s laboratory, they studied a relatively unassuming 1 mm long roundworm, C. elegans. Despite its small size, C. elegans possesses many specialized cell types such as nerve and muscle cells also found in larger, more complex animals, making it a useful model for investigating how tissues develop and mature in multicellular organisms. Ambros and Ruvkun were interested in genes that control the timing of activation of different genetic programs, ensuring that various cell types develop at the right time.

They studied two mutant strains of worms, lin-4 and lin-14, that displayed defects in the timing of activation of genetic programs during development. The laureates wanted to identify the mutated genes and understand their function. Ambros had previously shown that the lin-4 gene appeared to be a negative regulator of the lin-14 gene. However, how the lin-14 activity was blocked was unknown. Ambros and Ruvkun were intrigued by these mutants and their potential relationship and set out to resolve these mysteries.

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A year after the Hamas attack shattered this Israeli community, going home still feels impossible

Kfar Aza, Israel (DT) โ€” On a sun-dappled day in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Liora Eilon stood at the spot where her son was killed. She stooped to pick a figurine from the pile of belongings scattered around an abandoned home nearby.

โ€œEvery time we come here, Tal leaves us a little message,โ€ the 71-year-old said, turning over the plastic soldier in her hands.

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It has been a year since Hamas militants stormed into this community within sight of the border fence surrounding Gaza. Eilonโ€™s 46-year-old son, Tal, who was the Kfar Aza civilian defense commander, was killed in the early moments of the attack, as he ran to the kibbutz armory to grab a weapon.

Now living in a university dormitory in Israelโ€™s north, Liora Eilon wonders if sheโ€™ll ever return home to this place, seared into Israeli history for that day of mass death, when the militants killed some 1,200 people in southern communities and took about 250 others hostage. The attack sparked an ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza that has killed more than 41,600 Palestinians and laid waste to much of the territory.

โ€œHow can I trust the government who abandoned me here, who betrayed me, promised me that my family was safe here?โ€ she said. โ€œThe government wants us to go back to Kfar Aza, but I need more to feel safe.โ€

Only about 50 of Kfar Azaโ€™s 1,000 residents have returned. They live among the skeletons of houses burned by explosives, riddled with bullet holes or reduced to rubble by tank shells during the battle that raged for days.

The others are scattered in dorms and hotels further north. The Associated Press spoke to a dozen residents who shared feelings of extreme vulnerability to future attack and deep misgivings about Israelโ€™s military and government, and the Palestinians on the other side of the fence.

Some wondered whether such a scarred place could ever be lived in at all.

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An Israeli flag is hung on a destroyed house nearly a year after the deadly Hamas attack on Oct. 7, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

โ€œAre we going to live inside a memorial? Are we going to see a plaque every few meters, he was killed here and he was killed here?โ€ asked Zohar Shpack, 58, who has returned and serves in the civilian defense squad. โ€œI donโ€™t know yet.โ€

โ€˜Itโ€™s still the seventh of Octoberโ€™

The seasons have spun by since Oct. 7. Relatively untended, Kfar Azaโ€™s orchards have borne new fruit. With few to harvest, soldiers guarding the community have their pick from loads of fresh avocadoes.

The land still holds traces of the day. On trees hung with fresh pomegranates, some of last yearโ€™s fruit remains, charred and black like used grenades. Gardener Rafael Friedman says he still finds teeth and bones in the soil when he rakes back the overgrowth โ€” likely remnants of Hamas militants killed in the fighting.

Kfar Aza has always been a close-knit place. It takes just 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other, past neighborhoods, orchards and a soccer pitch. Many residents grew up here and raised families alongside each other.

Now photos of slain young people, couples killed together and hostages are posted everywhere. During the day, former residents like Eilon guide tours, hold memorials and see familiar faces. When night falls, most disappear to hotel rooms to the north.

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FILE- Mourners attend the funeral of the Kotz family in Gan Yavne, Israel, on Oct. 17, 2023. The Israeli family of five was killed by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 at their house in Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the border with the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

Every Friday, survivors gather on Shachar Schnormanโ€™s porch for dinner, filling the kibbutz with the rare sound of laughter.

โ€œItโ€™s the only place where people can talk about the seventh and all the people at the table understand exactly what they are talking about,โ€ Schnorman said.

โ€œWe do whatever we can to try to build community, to try to show … that people can live here,โ€ he said.

The government says it will rebuild. Meanwhile, itโ€™s constructing pre-fabricated houses for residents in another kibbutz, Ruhama, about 15 kilometers (10 miles) away. After two years there, they say authorities want them to return to Kfar Aza.

About two-thirds of the community plan to move into the temporary housing. On a recent tour, some enthusiastically examined the box-like structures. Itโ€™s a chance, they said, to live together and rebuild on the southern land theyโ€™re accustomed to.

But some werenโ€™t convinced Kfar Aza will be rebuilt and not sure theyโ€™d ever feel safe returning.

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FILE- Mourners gather around the five coffins of the Kotz family during their funeral in Gan Yavne, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. The family was killed by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 at their house in Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the border with the Gaza Strip,. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

โ€˜They could have saved themโ€™

As the battle still raged, some residents were evacuated early and sped away in army jeeps. Hanan Dann, a young father, recounted passing a cluster of soldiers at a gas station just outside the kibbutz, who looked like they were waiting for orders.

โ€œI wanted to say, thereโ€™s fighting inside still, thereโ€™re people dying,โ€ he said. โ€œThey could have saved them.โ€

Soldiers and militants fought in Kfar Aza for days. By the end, militants had killed 64 civilians and 22 soldiers and dragged 19 hostages into Gaza.

Nearby, in the recesses of the Negev desert, stands a decrepit water tower. Itโ€™s a remnant of Beโ€™erot Yitzhak, a kibbutz abandoned after a deadly 1948 Egyptian attack during the war that led to Israelโ€™s creation.

But others say as long as there is no peace agreement with Palestinians, they will again be on the front lines of another Oct. 7. Some of Gazaโ€™s Palestinians once lived in these same arid reaches of what is now southern Israel. Almost no trace is left of their villages after Israeli troops drove them out during the 1948 war.

โ€œWeโ€™ve tried war enough times and it never led to anything good,โ€ Eilon said. She wants a new government that will talk to the Palestinians to find โ€œsome arrangement for us to live together on the same land.โ€

โ€œIโ€™m dreaming for the day with an open fence from here to the sea, with two people living together.โ€


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