Suicide rate rises among Israeli soldiers during Gaza war

ALQUDS, May 21 (YPA) – At least 35 Israeli soldiers have committed suicide since the start of the military assault on the Gaza Strip.

The Hebrew newspaper Haaretz revealed in an extensive investigation published on Sunday that some of them had been previously diagnosed with serious mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, prior to their most recent call-up to duty.

The investigation indicated that, during the massive mobilization preceding the ground operation in Gaza, the Israeli army summoned thousands of soldiers who had previously contacted the Ministry of Defense regarding psychological and health issues.

The report highlighted what it described as a “gross and sometimes absurd lack of coordination” between the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli military, which led to the absence of a unified database on soldiers with psychological disabilities, leading to the return of a number of them to military service.

The investigation sparked large criticism of the way soldiers with psychological disorders were being treated, given the increasing pressures and harsh conditions they face on the battlefield, particularly in Gaza, where the Israeli army has been engaging in one of its bloodiest and most complex operations.

Mental health specialists hold the Israeli military establishment responsible for the worsening phenomenon, calling for an urgent and comprehensive review of call-up and service policies, and ensuring that those with mental illnesses are not returned to the battlefield without thorough check up and specialized medical supervision.

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