Tel aviv: Israel's Defense Ministry has announced that its Rehabilitation Department has received nearly 80,000 soldiers since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, with 26,000 of these cases related to mental health issues. This significant influx highlights the ongoing human impact of the war on military personnel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the department allocates approximately 4.2 billion shekels ($1.2 billion), which constitutes over half of its annual budget, to provide medical services for injured soldiers. Notably, a statement from the department, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, revealed that 33% of the soldiers suffering from mental health issues are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The surge in injured soldiers and an increasing number of suicides among them presents a 'major national challenge,' as highlighted by the department. This statement follows protests by former Israeli soldiers outside the rehabilitation department's headquarters in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv. The protestors demanded improved treatment and expressed concern over the rising suicide risks among reserve soldiers.

Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that 16 soldiers have committed suicide since the beginning of the year, underscoring the mental health crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

The broader context of the Gaza conflict has fueled international outrage, with over 61,000 people reported killed since October 2023. The military campaign has severely damaged the region, pushing it to the brink of famine. In response to these actions, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in Gaza.