ASHDOD — While Hamas terrorists were causing damage and chaos in Israeli communities on October 7, sick children from Gaza were receiving medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. However, due to the ongoing conflict and the destruction of the Erez Crossing facility, these children and their families are unable to return home. They are currently staying in Ashdod at Shevet Achim, an Israeli Christian organization that provides life-saving treatment to children from neighboring countries. Despite the care and treatment they are receiving, funded by Israeli taxpayers, the Gazan families accompanying the children show little warmth or gratitude towards Israel. Many blame Israel for the situation in Gaza and are frightened and angry, longing for the fighting to end so that they can return to their families and homes, if they are still intact. They have little sympathy for Israeli civilians, except for the medical staff they encounter in the hospitals. The Gazan mothers and grandmothers constantly fear for their safety, taking shelter from Hamas rockets and witnessing images of dead Gazans on Arabic social media. They feel a stark contrast between the treatment they receive from the medical staff and the treatment they face from soldiers on the streets. Although they appreciate the care and protection provided by the medical staff, they find it difficult to trust or feel safe elsewhere. They long for protection and a safe return to their families, but for some, their homes have been destroyed, and they have lost loved ones as a result of the conflict. The Gazans also justify the kidnapping of Israeli civilians as they demand the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. While some express anger and fear towards Israel, others try to focus on the positive, acknowledging the opportunities for care and treatment that Israel provides for their children. They express a desire for peace and resolution, and for Arab countries to come together and find a solution to the ongoing conflict. Shevet Achim founder Jonathan Miles states that they are driven by their Christian faith and the belief in the word of God received from the Jewish people, motivating them to bring sick Gazan children to Israeli hospitals.