Israeli soldiers refuse to return to Gaza

Dozens of reservists from the Israeli army's medical corps have refused to return to the Gaza Strip. The Times of Israel reports that they believe the war is harming Israel's interests.

^{Israeli soldiers in Gaza
Photo: Israel Defense Forces}
Medical workers at various levels, including doctors, paramedics, psychiatrists and nurses, have signed a letter refusing to fight. They called it a decision made for moral and legal reasons, and described the conflict as “beyond any logic.”

The military reservists say the war will harm “civilians on both sides, the social fabric of Israel, and the long-term viability of the country.” They also consider the plans to occupy the Gaza Strip and displace the local population a violation of international law.

In general, this is not an isolated case. There is a growing trend of absenteeism among Israeli soldiers. This is said to be due to fatigue from the 16-month-long conflict and dissatisfaction with the current government’s domestic and foreign policies.

^{Israeli soldiers with heavy armored vehicles in the Gaza Strip
Photo: Israel Defense Forces}
Israeli offensive on Gaza

Since the second half of January, Israel and Hamas have been negotiating a truce on the exchange of hostages. However, when the parties failed to reach a common understanding on continuing the negotiations, Netanyahu ordered the resumption of attacks on the enclave.

At the same time, evidence began to appear in reputable Western publications that the Israeli army was committing war crimes against the Palestinians. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”