The Israeli army's actions in Gaza have resulted in significant losses, with over 1,000 soldiers killed and 15,000 wounded, many of whom were left with severe amputations, blast injuries, and burns. However, the psychological toll on soldiers is only now becoming clear. According to the Israeli Ministry of Defence, over 300 soldiers have attempted suicide, with 100 successful attempts. This has put a strain on the military and society as a whole.
The concept of moral injury is described as damage to a person's conscience or moral compass resulting from an action. It involves cognitive dissonance, guilt, shame, and fracture of the mind. Soldiers who have committed atrocities in Gaza are struggling to cope with the aftermath, experiencing nightmares, sleep disturbances, and mental agony. Many have turned to alcohol and substance abuse, leading to domestic violence, family breakdowns, and divorce cases.
The Israeli army's actions in Gaza have been widely criticized, with many describing them as war crimes. In January 2024, a six-year-old girl named Hind Rajab was killed in a car along with her relatives, with 300 bullets pumped into her body. In May 2024, an Israeli airstrike on a designated 'safe zone' in Tel-al-Sultan resulted in the destruction of a camp, with headless infants pulled from the burning debris.
The Israeli Ministry of Defence has reported that 37,500 soldiers are suffering from PTSD, with this number expected to increase by 180%. A further 85,000 soldiers are being treated for psychological injuries in the Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry of Defence, with 72,000 on the waiting list. 48% of soldiers are experiencing prolonged sleep disorders, and many have testified to the Knesset Committee about their mental agony.
Soldiers who have served in Gaza have spoken publicly about their experiences, describing the trauma and distress they have faced. Elizah Mizrahi, a 40-year-old engineer, exhibited severe PTSD symptoms and extreme irritability before committing suicide. A 20-year-old paratrooper named Or described "sleeping paralysis" and severe physical stress after witnessing the charred remains of children.
The impact of the war on Israeli soldiers and society is clear. With many soldiers struggling to cope with the psychological toll of their actions, there is a growing concern about the long-term effects on mental health. The Israeli Ministry of Defence is working to address these issues, but it may be some time before the full extent of the damage is known.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 73,900 people killed, 83% of whom were civilians, including women and children. The international community has been criticized for its response to the conflict, with many calling for greater action to be taken to prevent such atrocities in the future. The legacy of the conflict will be felt for years to come.
Key points
- Over 300 Israeli soldiers have attempted suicide and 100 have been successful since serving in Gaza.
- 37,500 Israeli soldiers are suffering from PTSD, with this number expected to increase by 180%.
- The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 73,900 people killed, 83% of whom were civilians.
