The death toll continues to rise as the war between Israel and Hamas enters day four.
For those living here in America with relatives overseas, the worry for their loved ones’ safety continues to rise.
Gaya Kalderon, an Israeli woman whose father, brother, sister, cousin, and grandmother are currently missing, says, the worst part is not knowing whether they’re okay.
“No one knows anything,” said Kalderon. “I hope I will know soon. I don’t even know if they’re alive.”
Her family members are a few of the thousands of people missing after Hamas’ sneak attack on Israel Saturday. Since then, 2500 people have been killed on both sides. Hamas has taken 150 Israeli citizens hostage.
This week’s explosive events come after over 50 years of conflict between Israel and Palestineans living of Gaza. Palestinian student Layan Abu Tarboush says it’s important to understand the context of what’s happening.
“Palestinians have no rights,” she says. “They don’t vote. They don’t have a government. They don’t have a military. It’s decades of occupation. It’s decades of oppression.”
Kalderon’s wish is for both parties to find a resolution.
“We are all together in this, we need to try and do it together.”
