We must finish the job': despite living on the frontline, northern Israelis try to maintain normality

"We want to keep a bit of sanity for us, for the residents, for our soldiers. They come a lot these days so we want them to have a place to relax, have a beer, a coffee, something to eat, just to keep life going."

"Last night was tough. The last days have been the toughest. It was very bad. There is usually a break afterwards then in the evening it starts again Now we are drinking coffee in the sun."

"Israeli military officials said Hezbollah's attack on Wednesday night and Thursday morning involved about 200 rockets and missiles as well as 20 drones. For the first time, such a barrage was timed to coincide with a salvo of missiles from Iran."

Metula, Israel's northernmost town, experienced a severe night of attacks from Hezbollah and Iranian missiles, with approximately 200 rockets and missiles plus 20 drones launched in a coordinated barrage. Military interceptions continued into Thursday morning as warplanes flew overhead and artillery fire echoed nearby. Despite the violence, residents gathered at local cafes to maintain normalcy and provide spaces for soldiers to rest. Community members expressed determination to continue living despite school and business closures across Israel. Residents acknowledged the conflict's severity while emphasizing their refusal to abandon their town, viewing continued social activity as essential to preserving sanity and community cohesion during the ongoing military conflict.

Read at www.theguardian.com