On October 7, Hamas, the group that controls Gaza, launched a rare surprise attack on Israel that led to massive retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza and other punitive measures, including power outages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that Israel was "in a state of war," while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the right of the Palestinians to defend themselves.

The death toll from Hamas' surprise attack on Israel has reached over 1,200, while Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed 900 people, according to the latest data from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the health ministry in Gaza.

CGTN Stringer spoke to Israelis taking shelter after the attacks. Local resident Igal said he was terrified and his life has been turned upside down. He hopes the conflicts could end once and for all.