Kate Adie presents a special edition reflecting on the brutal attack in Israel this week by Hamas militants and the subsequent siege and bombardment of Gaza.

Anna Foster reports from Ashkelon in Israel’s south, where revellers were attending a music festival, before Hamas’ assault. She met one man who managed to escape, who tells her his story.

As details emerged of how Hamas’ brutal assault unfolded in kibbutzim last weekend, communities living near the Gaza border have been left traumatised by the scale of the attack. Dan Johnson spent time with one Israeli family struggling to process what happened, while preparing for what might come next.

As Gaza’s only power plant ran out of fuel – hospitals have struggled to cope, with doctors saying they are having to make tough decisions on who to operate on. Yolande Knell has been speaking to people in Gaza about the impact of Israel’s counter-attack.

Our chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet has been reporting from the region for the past three decades, and reflects on Gaza's recent history and the broken dreams of peace.

And as Israel buries those killed by Hamas, Nick Beake witnesses the return of thousands of Israeli reservists, as the country moves to a war footing.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling