An Israeli medic treats a man who was wounded after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed near homes in Moshav Zohar, Israel May 13, 2021. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

As Israel labors under constant rocket attacks and the red alert sirens that follow, a young Israeli woman managed to bring new life into the world in the midst of the chaos.

Yifat Narkis succeeded in giving birth at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod as the air raid sirens were still sounding, and both mother and child are safe and healthy.

Speaking with the Israeli outlet Mako, Narkis said her condition is normal. “I’m being released today,” she said, “so I’m already organized, all my things are packed. It wasn’t easy. On the one hand I received this wonderful gift, a third daughter, and on the other hand it’s really like that (not easy) to give birth in the shadow of an alert.”

She added that she gave birth while simultaneously watching a news report, “because I’m one of those who likes to know what’s going on, and I saw all the alerts from Home Front Command, and yeah, there were also alerts right when the baby was born and emerged into the world.”

“There’s no doubt that it was stressful,” Narkis admitted. “I’m used to alerts, but there were children (back) home.”

Speaking of the contrast between the birth and the alerts, she said, “It’s definitely absurd. The (other) children were at home, also, and that added more oil to the fire. There’s no doubt, it’s at the same time a very stressful and emotional experience. It’s a mixture of emotions.”

Worried about her children who had remained behind at home, Narkis said she suffered a brief panic attack, but was comforted by the hospital staff, including a nurse who “gave me a warm hug, and the entire staff here relaxed (me).”

Asked if the newborn has a name yet, she answered, “Soon. I’m ready to hear ideas.”