Israel. October, 2023. A Photo Essay.
Israel. October, 2023. A Photo Essay.
Ziv Koren: Eye on Israel from October 7
In this special issue of State of Tel Aviv we present a remarkable photo essay by top Israeli (and international) photojournalist, Ziv Koren.
On Saturday, October 7, as news broke of the Hamas attack, Koren did what he does; grabbed his gear and jumped on his motorcycle. He raced to the area of the attacks in southern Israel - which is just an hour or so from Tel Aviv - particularly on a Saturday morning when roads are empty.
Much of the area remained a closed military zone with active, ongoing battles. Israel did not control its border with the Gaza Strip until late on Monday, October 9. Even then, active Hamas terrorists were still active within the country.
Koren has shared with State of Tel Aviv some of his remarkable images from those first hours and the days and the weeks following.
Images: Ziv Koren
Text: Vivian Bercovici
Sderot. Saturday, October 7.
A city of 25,000 approximately one kilometer from the border, Sderot has been pounded by Hamas rockets more than any other town in Israel since 2006, when Hamas was elected to govern the Gaza Strip.
In the first photograph are seniors who were embarking on a day trip to the Dead Sea when their minibus was ambushed. They were all murdered.
The second photograph shows a couple murdered in their car.
Hamas terrorists ravaged the town, which has since been evacuated. They ambushed the police station, which was retaken by Israeli special forces following a long, ferocious battle. More than twenty Sderot police officers were murdered. Apparently, a large group had gathered on a break. They had no weapons accessible.
Ashkelon. Monday, October 9.
Just north of the Gaza Strip, the beautiful beach town of Ashkelon is home to approximately 160,000, the third-largest city in Israel's Southern District and another frequent Hamas target. Below, rubble and religion.
Gaza Border. Monday, October 9.
IDF preparing for the Gaza offensive.
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