Israeli Troops Relax at Gaza ‘Beach Resort’ as Palestinians Face Starvation and Cold

While Gaza’s residents face severe suffering, Israeli soldiers, accused by many of perpetrating acts of genocide, are unwinding at a beachfront resort in the conflict-ridden zone, enjoying amenities like treated water from a desalination plant even as Palestinians struggle with acute shortages of water, food, and other essentials.

The Israeli news source Ynet reported on Thursday that Israel Defense Forces personnel stationed in northern Gaza are spending downtime at a “beachfront resort” situated in an area heavily damaged by the IDF’s prolonged 445-day attack, supported by the U.S. This assault has, according to reports from Gazan and international bodies, resulted in over 164,000 Palestinian casualties—dead, injured, or missing; displaced millions; left countless others starving or ill; and devastated much of the coastal strip.

According to Ynet:

Beanbags dot the area for lounging. A soldier sips an iced energy drink, while another enjoys a hot cappuccino with meringue cookies. Soldiers have access to immaculate showers and restrooms that feel “just like home.” At the center of a manicured lawn, a table overflows with a breakfast spread akin to a hotel buffet. The barbecue station is a constant, offering not just wings and hotdogs but also steaks and other high-end cuts grilled to perfection… Additional luxuries include a coffee bar with a professional espresso machine, popcorn and cotton candy stations, and a lounge serving 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 managed to create a homely feel here, with iced coffee, espresso, protein shakes, toast, shakshuka, fresh fruits, and even ice cream on warmer days.”

While Palestinians face “total psychological breakdown” due to Israel’s military actions, IDF soldiers visiting the resort “have access to mental health support from counselors and remote consultations.” As Israeli forces continue to target Gaza’s few remaining medical facilities, the retreat offers “on-site medical care from a nurse and a paramedic,” along with “massages for sore backs and legs” and services from a mobile dental clinic.

The resort also features a desalination plant that produces 60,000 liters of potable water per day. This comes as Human Rights Watch last week condemned Israel for “extermination and acts of genocide” in Gaza, citing “intentional deprivation of adequate water access to Palestinian civilians, likely causing thousands of deaths.”

Israeli soldiers expressed their astonishment at the amenities provided at the retreat.

“We didn’t get a house, but the food is fantastic, and the beverages are top-notch,” Sgt. Yaron Rabinovitch told Ynet.

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