Israel-Hamas War: ON OCTOBER 7, when the Hamas launched its surprise land-air-sea assault, Ashkelon was among the towns near the Israel-Gaza border which was targeted. Ten days later, its streets are empty, and the shops and markets are all closed. Many families have either fled, or remain indoors. But the 600-bed Barzilai Medical Centre in the town, about 57 km from Tel Aviv, is buzzing, overwhelmed by the flow of patients since the attacks. The hospital was also targeted in rocket attacks — the damage is visible in its paediatric wing. The office of the head of the paediatric department...