As Palestinians starve and freeze, Israeli troops unwind at Gaza ‘beachfront resort’

‘And U.S. taxpayers are funding this,’ fumed one critic.

by Brett Wilkins

As the people of Gaza suffer hell on Earth, Israeli soldiers committing what the world increasingly recognizes as a genocide against them can now kick back and relax at a beachfront resort in the embattled strip and enjoy treated water from a desalination plant while Palestinians die from lack of water, food and other necessities.

The Israeli outlet Ynet reported Thursday that Israel Defense Forces troops in northern Gaza are relaxing at a “beachfront resort” located “amid the devastation” wrought by the IDF’s U.S.-backed 445-day assault, which, according to Gazan and international agencies, has left more than 164,000 Palestinians dead, maimed or missing; millions more forcibly displaced, starved or sickened; and most of the coastal enclave in ruins.

According to Ynet: “Throughout the retreat, beanbags are scattered for lounging. One soldier relaxes with an iced energy drink, while another enjoys a hot cappuccino paired with meringue cookies. Soldiers can shower and use pristine restroom facilities that feel ‘just like home.’ In the center of the green lawn, a long table is laden with lavish breakfasts reminiscent of a hotel buffet. For lunch and dinner, a barbecue station operates nonstop, serving more than the standard wings and hotdogs – steaks and other premium cuts are grilled to perfection … Additional comforts include a coffee bar with a large espresso machine, popcorn and cotton candy stations, and a lounge offering Belgian waffles and fresh pretzels.”

David Turjeman, head of food services for the IDF’s Southern Command, told Ynet: “You know this is Gaza, right? Yet we’ve created a sense of home here, with iced coffee, espresso, protein shakes, toast, shakshuka, fresh fruit, and even ice cream on warmer days.”

As Palestinians suffer “complete psychological destruction” as a result of Israel’s onslaught, IDF troops visiting the retreat “have access to mental health support from counselors and remote consultations.” As Israeli forces besiege and attack Gaza’s few remaining hospitals, the retreat offers “on-site care from a nurse and a paramedic,” as well as “massages for sore backs and legs” and the services of a mobile dental clinic.

There’s also a desalination plant capable of producing 60,000 liters of drinking water daily. This, as Human Rights Watch last week accused Israel of “extermination and acts of genocide” in Gaza “by intentionally depriving Palestinian civilians there of adequate access to water, most likely resulting in thousands of deaths.”

Israeli soldiers expressed their surprise at the amenities available at the retreat.

“We didn’t get a house, but the food is amazing, and the drinks are great,” Sgt. Yaron Rabinovitch told Ynet.

Sgt. Daniel Vakrat said: “We didn’t expect anything like this. It’s an incredible morale booster.”

Brett Wilkins is a staff writer for Common Dreams, where this story first appeared.

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