Hamas attack: What we saw in Israel – Lagos pilgrims

The 310 Lagos pilgrims who recently visited Israel have shared harrowing experiences of narrowly escaping attacks during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, some recounted how they had departed from locations shortly before they were targeted.

Lawyer Mrs. Adebimpe Bada shared their chilling account, stating that they had heard news of attacks on places they had just visited after leaving.

They were in Bethlehem, Jordan, and Nazareth during their pilgrimage. Bada emphasized that they had narrowly escaped an attack on a hotel they had recently departed from in Israel.

Speaking about the response of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board to the escalating conflict, Bada praised their management, stating they handled the situation adeptly, ensuring the pilgrims remained unaware of the severity of the events until later. She also noted the tension among the Israelis and the establishment of blood donation centers in response to the crisis.

Another pilgrim, Mr. Emmanuel Bantale, who had apprehensions due to the timing of their visit during the Feast of Tabernacles, expressed his concern about potential attacks. He recalled seeing parachutes from a distance while on a bus heading to the Sea of Galilee, later realizing they were tied to attacks by Palestinian assailants.

The Lagos contingent safely landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 12:50 am, having returned from Israel where the Israel-Hamas war continues to escalate, approaching a death toll of 1,900 according to The Economic Times.
The conflict witnessed Hamas launching attacks on the Israeli city of Ashkelon, issuing warnings to residents to evacuate as the war entered its fourth day.