In the aftermath of the Gaza Strip conflict that erupted on October 7, approximately 30,000 Israeli soldiers have reached out to a mental health hotline, as reported by Anadolu Agency, according to information provided by the Israeli army.
A military statement reveals that around 85 percent of the soldiers who sought psychological treatment have subsequently returned to active duty. However, it notes that approximately 200 soldiers were discharged from the army due to psychological issues arising from the conflict.
Amid concerns about the potential development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops, the Israeli army’s Medical Corps has announced plans to inaugurate a new mental health center for soldiers. This facility, set to open on Thursday, will include a clinic specifically designed to address PTSD among military personnel.
As of February 2, Yekhiel Levechitz, the head of the army’s clinical department for mental illnesses, reported that around 3,000 soldiers had undergone examinations by mental health experts since the commencement of hostilities on October 7.
The conflict began following a Hamas attack on October 7, which Tel Aviv claims resulted in nearly 1,200 casualties. However, revelations by Haaretz indicate that Israeli army helicopters and tanks were responsible for a significant number of the reported 1,139 soldiers and civilians killed, as asserted by Israel, in clashes with the Palestinian Resistance.
The ongoing Israeli bombardment has resulted in a reported nearly 29,954 Palestinians killed and over 70,000 injured, causing widespread destruction and shortages of essential resources. The war has forced 85 percent of Gaza’s population into internal displacement, exacerbating shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. UN data indicates that 60 percent of the enclave’s infrastructure has suffered damage or complete destruction.
Accusations of genocide have been directed at Israel in the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and take measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.