GAZA CITY, GAZA: Rebecca Solomon, a former New York City television news reporter who recently left PIX11, was stranded in Israel after Hamas launched an attack on the country.
She and her eight-month-old baby, along with her husband, have been stranded in the country following the surprise attack by Hamas that led her family to evacuate to New York.
Rebecca Solomon's testimony on living through the Israel-Palestine conflict
Hamas launched thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip, causing widespread fear and destruction in Israeli territories.
Many Americans, including Rebecca, have been unable to leave the war-torn region as the conflict escalated on multiple fronts.
Speaking to PIX11, Rebecca shared the distressing experiences of living through this turmoil, "When the sun goes down and it gets dark again, I get scared, I’m scared for what’s to come at night."
Rebecca, who formerly worked with News 12 Westchester, had initially come to Israel with her husband and their eight-month-old baby to visit family and friends during the Jewish holidays.
In an interview with News 12, she described the morning of the attack, with sirens blaring and rockets being intercepted by the Iron Dome, Israel's highly effective missile defense system.
Rebecca emphasized the critical role the Iron Dome played in their survival, stating, "If there was no Iron Dome after what happened this morning, we would not be having this conversation. That’s how serious it is."
Israel and Palestine grapple with loss as the conflict escalates
The conflict has taken a toll on both Israeli and Palestinian populations, with an estimated death toll of more than 700 Israelis, including scores of kidnapped individuals. Palestinian officials report an estimated 400 Palestinian casualties due to these retaliatory actions, the New York Post reports.
The United States has not been spared from the violence, as at least four American citizens have lost their lives.
Israel has responded with retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip, following a promise of "mighty vengeance" from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The leader of the Israeli Defense Forces has already issued a warning of implementing a blockade on Gaza.
"I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed,” said Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. "We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly," he added.
Rebecca Solomon's quest for safety and reunion
Rebecca shared images of empty streets during what would typically be a bustling Simchat Torah holiday.
She remains hopeful, stating, "We know right now there are no flights going out at this point, but we’ll see what we can do in the next couple of days when it’s safe. I don’t want to jeopardize my loved ones anymore. We’re in a safe place right now," as per New York Post.
In a recent update on her Instagram, the veteran reporter expressed her relief that her family was able to secure a flight back to New York.
She acknowledged the difficulties they faced in arranging their departure and expressed gratitude that they could leave sooner rather than later.
Looking to the future, she added, "And then we just can’t wait to return when things are better here and the climate is a little bit safer."
