Medics believe Hamas fighters could have built an immunity to the fungus
Deadly fungus with ‘no treatment’ has been reportedly found in Hamas’ tunnel network.
It means Israeli hostages who are being held in the tunnels are said to be at risk. The Telegraph reports at least one hostage is thought to have died after contact with the fungus.
There are thought to be 136 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. A member of the hostage team in Israel, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “There is a deadly fungus in the tunnels with no treatment.
“Hamas members there are now more immune to it but there is a high chance many of the hostages are sick and deteriorating due to this fungus.”
Dr Hagai Levine who heads up the medical team at the hostage family forum says testimonies from those released confirm their fears. He said: “We know several of the hostages were severely wounded on being taken hostage and we don’t know if they have been treated properly.
“Several of those coming back need long-term antibiotic treatment for infections which could even still be life threatening, worsened by the fungus in the tunnels.”
It is believed the fungus may have already claimed the life of one Israeli soldier. Ichilov Hospital said a fighter who was seriously inured during the conflict died of a fungal infection.
The Israeli Defence Forces is understood to be investigating the death. Its medics have so far been unable to treat the fungal infection or identify the fungus.
Dr Levine claims the hostages are taken away in a condition that could help infections. They reportedly have open wounds with the tunnels also poorly-ventilated.
He believes Hamas fighters could have built up an immunity to the fungus. Hamas is believed to have taken around 240 hostages when it launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7.
The hostages remain key to Hamas as pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their release.