Sharp Increase in the Number of Israeli Soldiers Suffering from Psychological Disorders Since the Start of the War on Gaza

Tamar Shmoni, Deputy Head of the Rehabilitation Department in the Israeli Ministry of Defense, reported a noticeable increase in the number of soldiers suffering from psychological disorders since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip in October of last year.

Israeli Army Radio quoted Shmoni as saying that the ministry has treated about 62,000 psychological cases since October 7, 2023, while the number today is about 85,000 cases, describing this increase as unprecedented. She pointed out that about a third of the army's soldiers suffer from psychological problems after the events of October 7.

Shmoni added that each psychotherapist deals with up to 750 clients, and in some areas this number exceeds that, making it difficult to reach all those in need of treatment as quickly as required.

Last November, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper warned of a widespread psychological crisis in Israel, noting the increase in drug addiction cases and the existence of approximately two million people in need of psychological support, including a large number of soldiers.

Israeli media reports recently indicated an increase in suicide cases in the army. The Maariv newspaper reported that the soldier Nahorai Raphael Barzani committed suicide after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his participation in the fighting. Last week, reserve officer Thomas Edzguskes (28 years old) from the Givati Brigade also committed suicide after a psychological struggle, according to Hebrew media.

According to official Israeli data published last October, the army recorded 279 suicide attempts during 18 months, including 36 deaths.

In a separate context, violations of the ceasefire announced on October 10 continued, as the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced the death of 367 Palestinians and the injury of 953 others during these violations, in addition to the continued shortage of food and medicine in the sector inhabited by about 2.4 million people.