Tel aviv: An Israeli military investigation has found that the majority of recent suicides among its soldiers are directly linked to the trauma and extreme conditions experienced during the war in the Gaza Strip. The investigation highlights a troubling pattern of psychological distress among soldiers who have been exposed to the harrowing realities of combat.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported on Sunday that 16 soldiers have taken their own lives since the start of 2025. The military conducted a thorough investigation into each case, which included analyzing farewell notes and interviewing individuals close to the soldiers. The findings revealed that most of the suicides were attributed to prolonged exposure to combat, traumatic battlefield experiences, and the psychological toll of losing comrades.

A senior Israeli military official told KAN, "Most of these suicides are the result of the complex realities created by the war in Gaza. War has consequences." The report also noted that 17 Israeli soldiers committed suicide in 2023, and 21 in 2024. Since the onset of the conflict, nearly 3,770 soldiers have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the broadcaster.

Of the estimated 19,000 soldiers wounded during the war, nearly 10,000 are currently receiving psychological care through the Defense Ministry's rehabilitation unit. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 60,400 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children.

In November of the previous year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.