In all the reporting of the action in Gaza and the Israeli fears of further rocket attacks, one consequence has been under reported. Faye Bittker of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev makes the point:

There are those who would say “the first casualty of War is Truth,” and there are even those who would say that what Israel is currently undergoing is not a war.

Whatever the case, I am here in Beersheva - on the “almost” frontlines of the conflict with Hamas - to tell you the first thing to go when missiles start to fall nearby is your diet.

It could be the chemical high of the carbohydrates, or maybe the immediate kick of the sugar. It might even be the emotional pleasure of indulging in the chocolate in a guilt-free environment. I am no scientist, but my first-hand study has shown that when sirens are screaming, particularly if it is the second or third alarm in less than an hour, there is nothing more calming than a bite of fudge-filled chocolate cookie. Particularly when shared with the random gathering of strangers in the nearest bomb shelter.

Do read the whole piece - for all the humour, it makes a serious point.