After Gazans were struck by widespread skin diseases due to the lack of basic sanitary conditions, the infections have now reportedly affected Israeli soldiers stationed in Gaza.
اضافة اعلان
According to Yedioth Ahronoth on Friday, hundreds of regular and reserve soldiers deployed to advanced military positions are suffering from severe itching, with ulcers spreading across their bodies.
The report, which included images showing the soldiers’ skin lesions, stated that soldiers complained of flea, bedbug, and other insect bites, as well as foul odors and stagnant water. One soldier’s father revealed that his son initially hid his suffering but it was discovered accidentally during a short leave: “We took him on a little recreational trip and found ulcers on his body. It was horrifying. This is another form of Gaza’s curse on our children. They can’t sleep due to the itching.”
A reserve officer told the newspaper that the phenomenon is widespread in several areas of Gaza, but he personally experienced it while serving in Jabalia and the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, where the army had set up checkpoints across the Strip. Temporary sleeping huts were provided along with mattresses, but soldiers often preferred the floor because insects infested the provided bedding.
The officer added: “We expected to stay a few days, maybe weeks, but months have passed since May. After negotiations collapsed, it became clear we would remain for several months. In the Philadelphia sector, where permanent housing was set up, soldiers don’t suffer from this plague. We envy them. Here, no insect extermination takes place, no proper bathrooms exist, and soldiers rely on wet wipes to clean themselves. This is exactly what happens to the Palestinian population in Gaza.”
Interestingly, the army spokesperson reportedly claimed that military leadership was unaware of the phenomenon, despite complaints from hundreds of soldiers documented by the newspaper. Another officer noted that pesticides alone are insufficient and a comprehensive solution for the entire Gaza Strip is required, as diseases and viruses are transmitted via flies, animals, and even through the air—affecting soldiers as they besiege Gaza.
A parent of a soldier, who wished to remain anonymous, told the newspaper: “It’s not enough that we are in a pointless war. They send our children to live in filth with stray dogs and cats, and they return with diseases. Who knows if they will ever recover? This is not occupation but reckless military action, with no regard for our children’s health. When we complain, they say they are trying to allocate budgets for chemical toilets and proper sanitation.”
The report highlights that skin diseases are widespread among Palestinians in Gaza due to large-scale destruction by Israeli forces, which has forced people to live without water, sewers, or basic sanitation facilities. Now, the problem is reportedly affecting the occupying forces themselves.
—(Agencies)
