Israelis living near Gaza border 'terrified' of aerial attack from Iran

Israelis living near Gaza border 'terrified' of aerial attack from Iran

By Alex Rossi, international correspondent

In Ashkelon, an Israeli city on the border of Gaza, they are used to living under rockets from Hamas but they are worried about where this conflict is going and an aerial attack from an even bigger foe.

Along the seafront, on the promenade, a few walkers and runners are out trying to enjoy the warming weather. Others are attempting to celebrate.

At a bar mitzvah on the terrace of a local restaurant, there are drinks and jokes but the talk is of war and security.

Korin Peretz tells me her fears about the future, saying: "I hope there is nothing happening from Iran. It's very terrifying.

"Today we celebrate the bar mitzvah of my son. I couldn't sleep at night, always worrying about this situation and I hope it's all over. It's not comfortable. It doesn't feel very good.

"Our life here in Israel is not safe right now but there is no other place."

For years, Israel and Iran have been enemies, but the shadow war that's been fought between them is now threatening to burst into the open.

There's no doubt Israel is in a dangerous region and since its creation in 1948, it's had to deal with a number of existential threats.

But the trauma of the 7 October Hamas attack has left this nation feeling especially vulnerable

Iran is vowing retaliation after two generals were killed in an airstrike on the consulate in Damascus, Syria.