In this on-the-ground report, Jen Gerson visits Nir Oz and other Israeli communities devastated in the October 7 attacks. She documents the physical aftermath—burned homes, black flags marking where bodies were found, yellow flags for hostages—and interviews residents and officials reflecting on the war’s impact one year later. The article explores the psychological and political consequences of the attacks, including internal Israeli debate about military objectives, hostage negotiations, and governance. Gerson also situates the conflict within a broader regional context, noting Hezbollah activity in the north and Iranian influence. The piece emphasizes complexity, uncertainty, and the difficulty of assessing strategy from outside the region.