NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: While many are witnessing the Israel-Palestine conflict from the sidelines, some have been unfortunate in being personally involved, with loved ones residing in the region. ‘CBS Mornings’ host Tony Dokoupil is one of those individuals.
The morning show host has two of his children whom he shares with his ex-wife are living in Israel currently.
When the Hamas broke out the surprise attack from Gaza, they closely experienced the terror of the ongoing war.
While he has confirmed that they are now safe, he recounted how horrifying it was to see his family in danger.
Tony Dokoupil recalls talking to children as the sirens went off
Dokoupil shared the difficult details of having his children be involved in the terrifying situation in Israel.
"I have an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old who live in Israel. They live there with their mother, my ex-wife. They are safe but just as a father, anybody can understand if someone is firing rockets in the direction of your children without regard or whether they are struck or not, you're going to feel a thing or two. So, it's been a rollercoaster weekend," he said during his CBS Mornings appearance.
Dokoupil also talked about being upset over the state of the conflict mixed with his own worries about his family in danger.
"I talked to them as the sirens went off the first time but the rockets are just step one. That's the beginning of it," the host said.
"I have been sad and angry and disgusted to see the news that unfolded in the 48 hours hence. We are talking about the direct, close-range murder of more than 700 civilians in their cars, homes and the festival," Dokoupil said.
"And then the kidnappings and the hostage-taking. Then the evidence of rape. I think there's enough more clarity in the world to say that this is wrong, its terrorism, and is it's being done in your name, speak up," he added.
Tony Dokoupil 'heartbroken' over the trauma of innocent civilians
The 'CBS Mornings' host also shared his disappointment over the long ongoing conflict and how it has affected millions of people.
"I'm also heartbroken for the innocent people who are in Gaza and their children and what will happen to them in the days ahead. I'm disappointed and frustrated that 75 years after United Nations in the world said Jews-Arabs live in peace, divide up the land, 2 countries. The two people have not been able to do so and so three generations now have been living through war and terror and trauma."
In an interview with Billy Bush of Extra TV, he called the 48 hours his children were in grave danger "truly horrific."
“I checked the news reports the next day, and I see one of the rockets is within walking distance of their house," Dokoupil said.
The CBS host compared the situation to seven times what 9/11 was.
“I think very quickly the attention and the questions will turn, as the war in Gaza kicks off truly and fully, to whether Israel has shown sufficient restraint. I think it will be very hard for them to show restraint because it is currently right now at this hour a deeply traumatized country that has just suffered the equivalent of seven 9/11s, proportionally.”
