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KFAR AZA, ISRAEL: Renana Botzer Swissa, 13, who lives with her family near the Gaza border in Kfar Aza, shared how Taylor Swift helped her cope during the Hamas attack.
As told by the teen, their community had to take refuge inside a safehouse for a staggering 16 hours to evade detection.
How did Taylor Swift provide comfort to Renana Swissa during a Hamas attack?
Renana Botzer Swissa shared a heartwarming story of how her mother, Ilanit, used an upcoming Taylor Swift concert to distract her during this perilous time.
She explained that the thought of herself being in Europe, enjoying a Swift concert in June of next year, provided her with the strength to endure the terrifying situation, even when the looming threat of being taken hostage or harmed by the terrorist group weighed heavily on her young shoulders.
Fortunately, her family survived the ordeal, and now, Renana can look forward to hopefully attending the Eras Tour concert she yearned for.
As per CBS News, Renana woke up at 6.22 am to the sound of alarms going off on October 7 and had to hide in the safe room for 16 hours before they were rescued by Israeli soldiers, as per the New York Post.
Israel-Hamas conflict escalates
As of now, Israel has issued an order for all Palestinians in Gaza to evacuate to the southern part of the strip within 24 hours, signaling preparations for a possible incursion into Gaza territory. The Palestinian death toll has climbed to approximately 1,900 people, with Israeli casualties reaching around 1,300, as per The Wall Street Journal.
Moreover, nearly 7,700 have been wounded by Israeli airstrikes, following a promise of "mighty vengeance" from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to curb Hamas.
According to CNN, the White House confirmed the deaths of 27 Americans while 12 remain missing.
The leader of the Israeli Defense Forces has already issued a warning of implementing a blockade on Gaza. "I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed," said Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
He added, "We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly."
