Half of Israel soldiers suffer PTSD since Gaza war

The Israeli Defence Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department said yesterday it has treated approximately 16,000 soldiers since the outbreak of the war on Gaza in October 2023, including soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Defence Ministry said around half of those admitted to rehab centres during the war have PTSD including 2,900 soldiers suffering both physical injuries and psychological distress.

About six per cent were defined as having moderate injuries and another four per cent as having severe injuries. Seventy-two are listed as amputees, with reservists making up approximately 66 per cent of the 16,000 soldiers.

The Times of Israel reported that the rehab department treats approximately 78,000 wounded veterans, including those injured in previous wars and expects the number to reach 100,000 soldiers by 2030, with at least half of them suffering from PTSD.

According to the latest Israeli figures, which were updated on Saturday, 846 occupation soldiers have been killed since Israel launched its offensive in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, while 5,737 have been injured.

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