298 Israeli Soldiers Disabled After Gaza War: Report

At least 298 Israeli soldiers have been disabled by injuries sustained during last summer's war on the Gaza Strip, Israel's Channel 2 News reported on Sunday.



The channel "ed Israeli medical sources as saying that 298 soldiers out of those who had been injured during the offensive were left with physical disabilities.



It said that nine soldiers out of the 298 have become quadriplegic and that the remainder was left with varying degrees of physical disability.



The broadcaster also "ed a security official as saying that the Israeli Defense Ministry had received 503 complaints from soldiers asking to be recognized as disabled following the Israeli operation.



In July of last year, Israel launched a 51-day offensive on the Gaza Strip, with the stated aim of staunching rocket fire from the blockaded coastal enclave.



Over 2,160 Palestinians – mostly civilians – were killed and over 11,000 injured in the offensive, which ended with a late August cease-fire between Palestinian factions and the self-proclaimed Jewish state.



At least 73 Israelis – 68 soldiers and five civilians – were killed during the offensive, where 2522 Israeli were injured, including 740 military personnel.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Kudüs