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Watan-Recent reports from Hebrew media outlets have revealed an unprecedented rise in cases of gastrointestinal diseases and food poisoning among Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, particularly those deployed in the Gaza Strip.
Medical professionals involved in treating these soldier injuries attribute the surge to an increased reliance on food donations for the troops. These donations are sent to the IDF forces in Gaza without undergoing the usual inspection procedures.
Since the beginning of the aggression in the Gaza Strip, Israelis have been consistently donating food to support the soldiers. However, the inadequate storage conditions for some food items have led to the proliferation of Shigella bacteria, causing stomach and intestinal inflammation, as well as fever.
Gastrointestinal Diseases Afflict Israeli Soldiers Due to Poorly Managed Food Donations
According to a report published on Monday by the “Yedioth Ahronoth” newspaper, Israeli soldiers often rely on donated food as a perceived alternative to the subpar meals provided in the army.
Dr. Tal Brosh, the director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Asuta General Hospital in Ashdod, stated that “diarrhea has spread among the occupation forces in the south and in assembly areas, and later among the soldiers who went to fight inside Gaza.”
Brosh criticized the insistence on sending soup meals to the Gaza Strip, despite the known lack of refrigeration facilities for soup storage for the Israeli soldiers in the region.
Cases of infection with Shigella bacteria, causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines, a highly serious disease, have been diagnosed and have also spread among fighters in Gaza. Shigella infection occurs through direct contact between individuals or through contaminated food.
Dr. Brosh pointed out that there are clear rules for maintaining food hygiene that anyone running a restaurant should be aware of, and these are also well-known in the military. It is customary for the Israeli army to be very strict about this matter. However, food donation organizations working for the soldiers have violated these rules.
He added, “Anyone can participate in preparing the food, perhaps a group of students or volunteer organizations. No one supervises the preparation, cooking, or packaging of this food, not to mention that it is sent to the south without refrigeration devices.”
An Israeli doctor who disclosed the outbreak of diseases among Israeli soldiers emphasized the critical importance of proper handling of donated food. He pointed out that there is a maximum time limit during which food can remain without refrigeration. Once this time limit is exceeded, the food should not be transported to Gaza in uninspected containers.
Fever Outbreak Among Israeli Soldiers Raises Concerns
Dr. Tal Brosh explained that the spread of gastrointestinal diseases has significant consequences for the soldiers and the progress of military operations. He stated, “If infection spreads among 10 soldiers in an infantry unit, and they develop a fever with their body temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius, experiencing diarrhea every 20 minutes, they become unfit for combat and expose themselves to danger.”
Brosh clarified that it is impossible to discourage people from donating to soldiers, but emphasized the need to send safe and especially dry food items. He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of donated food to prevent the risk of illness among soldiers.
Soldiers in the Israeli Occupation Forces Grapple with Unfit Food, Prompting Health Concerns
A reservist serving in the Israeli occupation forces stationed around the Gaza Strip has shed light on the prevalent reliance on donated food, citing the inedibility of military rations. She emphasized that the majority of her diet is sourced from food donations, as the military-provided meals are deemed unfit for consumption.
A military spokesperson acknowledged the outbreak of diseases among occupation soldiers, attributing it to the consumption of donated food. The spokesperson stated, “We are diligent about washing our hands, but this is challenging in the sector. Furthermore, complying with basic hygiene conditions there is difficult.”
In response to the rising gastrointestinal issues, an Israeli army spokesperson stated, “There is an increase in gastrointestinal diseases due to food donations and cooked meals. We address the affected cases, issue orders related to treatment accordingly, and investigate each reported infection, providing treatment to the concerned soldiers.”
The revelation of soldiers resorting to potentially unfit food highlights the complex challenges faced in maintaining hygiene standards within the military and underscores the need for careful scrutiny of donated food items to ensure the health and well-being of the troops.
In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the Israeli military acknowledged the widespread outbreak of diseases among occupation soldiers, attributing the situation to the consumption of donated food. The spokesperson explicitly confirmed that the health issues among the soldiers are a direct result of the food received through donations.
This admission underscores the urgency of addressing the potential health risks associated with the handling and distribution of donated food items within the military. It further highlights the need for a comprehensive examination of the safety protocols surrounding food donations to ensure the well-being and combat readiness of the Israeli soldiers.