In a gripping live report on Monday from the Israel-Gaza border, CNN’s Clarissa Ward and her team sought refuge in a ditch to evade a relentless onslaught of rockets. As the crew hurried for cover, one member can be heard reassuring others with repeated affirmations of safety.
“You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine, you’re OK, you’re alright,” the crew member said.
From the roadside ditch, Ward, the network’s chief international correspondent, composed herself and continued the report. Amidst the explosions, she asked her team, “Are you seeing our situation, guys?” Expressing frustration, she added, “Forgive me, I’m in a slightly inelegant position, but we have just had a massive barrage of rockets coming in here, not too far from us.”
Ward provided context, stating they were approximately five minutes from Gaza, choosing the location due to its significance in the ongoing conflict. She detailed the initial breach of the border wall by Hamas militants in a pickup truck, marking the starting point of a devastating operation.
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NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel and his team also faced the urgency to take cover from mortar fire while reporting near the Gaza border. The escalation unfolded after a surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israel, breaching the border fence, besieging civilian communities, and taking hostages.
In response, Israel declared war, launching a forceful retaliation with missile bombardments on Gaza. The toll on both sides has been devastating, with over 1,500 casualties, including many civilians, and thousands more wounded. The Israeli military announced early Tuesday that they had “restored full control” over the border, though the potential for further infiltrations remained.
Watch a portion of the clip below from CNN:
CNN team ducks from 'massive barrage of rockets' near Israel-Gaza border https://t.co/DVVXw844RX pic.twitter.com/UHRBYmz7CS
— CNN (@CNN) October 9, 2023
