Residents of Kibbutz Nachal Ohz, a Gaza border community, have decided that following fifty days of round-the-clock rocket fire and warfare, and the death of a 4-year-old resident by rocket fire, they would remain in Kibbutz Orim in the northern Negev for an additional week. They admit that they are hopeful to return this week and hope to enjoy the upcoming Shabbos meal in their home dining room and not in that of a hosting kibbutz.

However many residents remain skeptical regarding the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. “We will return home but we are not optimistic” some residents explain, confident the resumption of rocket fire and another round of warfare with Hamas is not too far in the future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)