Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed on the “first phase” of a peace plan — a major breakthrough in the long-standing conflict.

Yet, the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza continues to leave deep scars, affecting not just Israelis and Palestinians.

Shielded her with his own body

During Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, around 1,200 people were killed, including more than 250 civilians — children and the elderly among them. One of the thousands whose lives were shattered that day was Roei Shalev.

When terrorists stormed the Nova music festival in Israel, Roei witnessed unimaginable horror: his girlfriend, Mapal Adam, and his best friend, Hili Solomon, were killed right before his eyes.

In a desperate attempt to protect Mapal, Roei shielded her with his own body as bullets tore through the crowd.

Moments later, Mapal, 25, was shot while hiding with him under a truck. Just before she was struck, she sent a terrified text to her sister:

“Don’t tell Mom, I’m scared. There’s a massacre. Bullets are hitting me in the head.”