Israeli Families Left in Shock and Fear as Hamas Militants Massacre and Take Hostages in Kibbutz Nir Oz

Residents of the small farming community of Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel were left in shock on October 7th, when gunmen on a mission to kill and kidnap arrived in the oasis of happy families and blooming gardens. Israeli authorities report that about a quarter of the residents of Nir Oz were either massacred or taken hostage by Hamas militants during their rampage.

Among the roughly 200 Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza is 8-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri, who turns 9 on Monday. His family say he was seized along with his brother Ariel, 4, and their terrified mother Shiri. His cousin, Osnat Meiri, told NBC News that Ohad cannot manage without his glasses, and his family does not know if he has them.

The Munder family is not alone in their fear and uncertainty. Another hostage is believed to be Kfir Bibas, who is only 10 months old. Ohad’s cousin Yifat Zailer told CBS News on Friday in the family’s bloodstained home, “I can only hope they’re together.”

The situation is dire for the hostages and their families. The Israeli government has called on the international community to help secure the release of the hostages, but so far no progress has been made. In the meantime, the families of the hostages are left to wait and hope for the best.