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Palestinian Leaders Claim Israel Deployed Trained Rats in Gaza

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Palestinian officials allege the Israeli Defense Forces deployed trained rats against civilians in Gaza.
Jamal Obeid of Fatah’s Gaza leadership said Israel introduced rodents into previously rat-free Gaza, while the Israeli Defense Forces gave no comment.
The claim is tied to a pattern of animal-related conspiracy theories, such as 2010 accusations that Mossad caused shark attacks in Sharm-el-Sheik and 2015 Hamas allegations of camera-equipped dolphins used for spying.

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Story summary

Palestinian officials allege the Israeli Defense Forces deployed trained rats against civilians in Gaza.
Jamal Obeid of Fatah’s Gaza leadership said Israel introduced rodents into previously rat-free Gaza, while the Israeli Defense Forces gave no comment.
The claim is tied to a pattern of animal-related conspiracy theories, such as 2010 accusations that Mossad caused shark attacks in Sharm-el-Sheik and 2015 Hamas allegations of camera-equipped dolphins used for spying.