3 Israeli Soldiers Commit Suicide

Israel's military police have launched an investigation into the suicide of three army soldiers following their participation in a seven-week military offensive on the Gaza Strip.



The three troops from the elite Golani Brigade had suffered psychological problems in connection to their participation in the recent offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli daily Maariv reported Monday.



According to the newspaper, two soldiers had killed themselves near border with the Gaza Strip, while a third soldier had committed suicide in central Israel.



The Israeli army has yet to comment.



Last year, eight Israeli soldiers had committed suicide, according to a source in the army's psychological health department.



On July 7, Israel launched a seven-week military offensive on the Gaza Strip with the declared aim of halting rocket fire from the Palestinian territory.



More than 2,150 Palestinians were killed – mostly civilians – and nearly 11,000 injured in the offensive in addition to the destruction of thousands of homes.



Over the course of the conflict, at least 73 Israelis – 68 soldiers and five civilians – were also killed.



The Israeli onslaught ended late last month with an indefinite cease-fire celebrated by Palestinian resistance faction Hamas as a strategic victory.



By Alaa Rimawi



englishnews@aa.com.tr



www.aa.com.tr/en - İsrail