Disabled Israel Troops 'Proof Of Resistance Strength': Hamas

Palestinian Hamas movement on Sunday lauded the "resistance's high capabilities" following an Israeli report saying that hundreds of troops were left physically disabled from injuries sustained in last summer's offensive on the Gaza Strip.



"The Israeli army's admission that some of its troops have been disabled is another proof of the resistance's bravery and high capabilities," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.



"This revelation by Israel should warrant Arab support for the resistance," he added.



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



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 - Gazze