LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'CBS Mornings' host Tony Dokoupil has confirmed the safety of his children and ex-wife who were stranded in Israel during the Hamas attacks over two weeks ago.
Two of his children and former wife were residing in the country and had a close shave with the October 7 attack. Dokoupil had previously revealed the horrifying experience of having his family in the middle of a war.
Now, as he remains in the conflict-riddled region to cover the war, his family has found safety back in the US.
Tony Dokoupil empathizes with Palestinian parents
Dokoupil appeared for an interview on ET News to share updates on his family's status.
Anchor Kevin Frazier asked him, "This hits close to home for you though because you have family in the country right now."
"Yeah, you know I actually got my family out of there," Dokoupil responded, "They flew back to America. I've got two kids here, ages 11 and 14. It's a very difficult time. But there is tremendous Israeli resolve here."
"As journalists, we all pledge neutrality," Frazier continued, "How are you dealing with covering this story with a personal angle for you?" he questioned.
Dokoupil, in empathizing with the Palestinians in Gaza, said, "I come at this as a parent, Kevin. I have a stake in the outcome of this war because I want there to be a stable and peaceful country for my kids to live in. However, that's not all that different from the parents on the other side of this war. They also have a stake in the outcome for their kids."
Tony Dokoupil reveals experience of reporting on the Israel-Palestine war
Frazier then asked Dokoupil a final question, "How are you remaining safe?"
"Safety is a constant consideration," the CBS host replied, "Get a little closer to Gaza, you get between a 15-30-second warning from the launch of a rocket to the landing of that rocket wherever you are and it is a total crapshoot, Kevin."
He also went on to add, "When a rocket goes up, you don't know where it's going to land. You hear the sirens, you wear the flak jacket, you find cover, and you hope it just doesn't hit where you are."
In a video Dokoupil shared on his Instagram page, he can be seen sporting the said flak jacket. However, he also revealed the state of the Israeli side which looks relatively calmer with people leisurely walking around with a functioning grocery store.
