German punch: Israeli soldier’s Thai holiday takes a hit
A 22 year old Israeli soldier was allegedly assaulted by a group of German tourists while on a trip in Thailand after the group took exception to his involvement in his nation’s military operations in Gaza.
According to PressTV, the Israeli soldier, Ilay, found himself on the wrong side of an altercation in northern Thailand as he walked past four young Germans.
“One of them asked me, ‘Where are you from? Israel?’ Before I knew it, he punched me in the face.”
The situation quickly escalated as the group reportedly continued their assault, pushing and kicking him. Ilay believes he was targeted purely for his nationality.
“It felt like they were specifically hunting down Israelis. It didn’t seem random at all. They sought me out and wanted to know where I was from.”
In light of the attack, Tel Aviv issued a warning, urging Israelis travelling or residing in Thailand and Southeast Asia to exercise heightened caution in public places such as restaurants and hotels.
The attack on Ilay unfolds amidst mounting international condemnation of Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. Since the beginning of the conflict last October, over 45,000 people, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in what has been described as a brutal campaign of war and destruction.
With global tensions simmering, this incident underscores the increasing hostilities and the broader spotlight on international responses to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, with thousands more trapped under debris and at risk of illness.
As of December 1, the latest casualty figures are as follows:
Gaza:
- Killed: At least 44,429 people, including 17,492 children
- Injured: Over 105,250 individuals
- Missing: More than 11,000
From the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the occupied West Bank, the figures indicate:
Occupied West Bank:
- Killed: At least 797 people, including 168 children
- Injured: More than 6,250 individuals
In Israel, officials have updated the death toll from the attacks on 7 October, reducing the figure from 1,405 to 1,139.
Israel:
- Killed: 1,139 individuals
- Injured: At least 8,730
According to the most recent data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Health Organization, and the Palestinian government as of December, Israeli attacks have caused extensive damage:
- More than half of Gaza’s homes are damaged or destroyed
- 80% of commercial facilities affected
- 87% of school buildings impacted
- Healthcare facilities are severely affected, with 17 out of 36 hospitals only partially operational
- 68% of road networks damaged
- 68% of cropland affected
