英语文摘:Israelis rush to gas masks centers for fear of strike on Syria

JERUSALEM, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Amid talks about a looming U.S.- led western attack on Syria, Israelis fearful of a possible Syrian retaliation flock to the gas masks distribution centers across the country, raising the demand by a fourfold in only two days.

As the Israeli government remains apparently calm in the face of an impending strike on its neighboring country, citizens fear that the alleged Syrian chemical weapons stock may be used against Israel. "We have seen a spike of 300 percent in phone calls asking for these kits since Sunday and twice the number of people have approached the postal centers to ask for them," a spokeswoman for the Israeli Postal Authority, in charge of distributing the masks, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

Last week's reports about a chemical attack against Syrian civilians allegedly carried out by the government forces, prompted an intense debate within the international community about the need of military intervention in the war-torn country.

But despite the fears of a possible Syrian retaliation against Israel, an Israeli Home Front Command officer told TV Channel 2 on Monday that the country may not have enough gas masks for all of its eight-million population due to a budgetary constraint.

"There is no 100 percent defense, but every person should be equipped," the official said.

According to statistics released by the government this week, only 60 percent of Israelis have gas masks kits at their homes.