Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 64,871 Palestinians, with another 164,610 injured. The majority of those killed are women and children, and many remain missing under the rubble.
Meanwhile, at least 20,000 Israeli soldiers have sought medical treatment since the beginning of the conflict, nearly half of them for mental health issues. Reports indicate that 56% of soldiers are psychologically affected by the horrors of war, while 9% suffer from moderate to severe injuries. So far, 56 soldiers have been permanently disabled, and 99 have received prosthetic limbs.
According to Israel’s Ministry of Defense Rehabilitation Department, among these soldiers, 45% are physically injured, 35% suffer from PTSD, and 20% face both physical and psychological challenges. Additionally, treatment is ongoing for 81,700 soldiers injured in previous conflicts, with 31,000 suffering from mental illnesses.
The report warns that by 2028, the number of soldiers affected by mental health issues could exceed 100,000. Although the rehabilitation budget is set at $8.3 billion, only 4.1% is currently allocated to mental health care.
Source: Times of Israel