Unprecedented rat invasion of Gaza envelope settlements - Sarmad

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported an unprecedented surge in rat and mouse populations in the settlements surrounding Gaza, with experts suggesting the rodents are migrating from the Gaza Strip due to the extensive destruction, rubble, and military activity in the area.

According to the newspaper, the phenomenon began in recent months, disturbing Israeli soldiers stationed at military sites east of the Gaza Strip, before spreading to the surrounding settlements.

The rodents have caused significant agricultural losses, with peanut harvests in some fields dropping by approximately 70%. At least 10 settlers have been bitten in recent weeks.

Haaretz quoted a resident of Nahal Oz as saying he has been catching around 10 rats daily for the past three weeks, while residents of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak have removed between 50 and 100 rats from some homes.