Big rise in demand for gas masks in Israel

Media reports in Israel claim that the current tension and developments across the region have led to a big demand for gas masks in the country. According to Maariv newspaper, the centres at which masks are distributed to Israelis have witnessed a larger than usual flow of people, up to four times more in some cases.

Maariv believes that the increase is due to the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime against rebel forces. However, it pointed out that the supply of masks cannot keep up with the demand, with only around 60 per cent of the population covered. A boost in demand was noticed three months ago following similar tension in the region.