Three years after a devastating attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages, the conflict has left deep scars on both sides of the Gaza border. CBS News spoke with two teenagers, Ron Shargian from Israel and Kazem Doghmash from Gaza, to understand their experiences. Ron, who was 12 at the time of the attack, described the fear and chaos as militants invaded his community, forcing his family to hide in a bomb shelter for 11 hours before being rescued. His family was displaced for over a year before returning home, a move he both dreaded and longed for. Across the border, Kazem, who was 11 when the war began, has witnessed the destruction of his surroundings due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, despite a cease-fire that has been in place since last October. The conflict continues to affect lives, with over 1,400 Palestinians killed since the cease-fire. Both teenagers’ stories highlight the enduring impact of the conflict on young lives.
QUESTION: How might growing up in a conflict zone shape a young person’s perspective on peace and security?
How Israeli and Palestinian kids are coping 3 years after Oct. 7, 2023
