The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have reported a troubling increase in suicide attempts among Israeli soldiers since the military’s offensive on Gaza, which began in October 2023 and has since escalated into what many are calling a genocide.
According to military sources, at least 28 soldiers are suspected of having committed suicide since the onset of the assault. This figure includes 17 soldiers who have died in “suspected suicides,” surpassing the suicide attempt numbers of 2023 when 17 Israeli soldiers attempted suicide, with seven fatalities linked to the Gaza offensive.
The conflict has claimed the lives of 891 soldiers and left over 5,500 injured. Of the 363 soldiers killed in 2024, the number is lower than the previous years—558 in 2023 and 515 in 2022.
In response to the surge in suicides, the Israeli military has taken steps to prevent further incidents. A 24/7 mental health helpline has been made available to soldiers, and the number of mental health staff has been increased.
Meanwhile, the ongoing assault in Gaza has left a devastating toll on Palestinian civilians. Since October 7, 2023, at least 45,600 victims, primarily women and children, have been killed in what is being described as a genocide. The situation remains dire, with thousands still trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Gaza Strip, killing at least 68 Palestinians, including high-ranking Hamas police officials and displaced civilians. Among the dead were the head of the Gaza police force, his deputy, and nine civilians who were killed at a tent camp for displaced people, according to Gaza authorities.
The UN Security Council had passed a resolution last year calling for an immediate ceasefire, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, neither has been apprehended.
As of now, the overall Palestinian death toll has reached at least 45,553, with over 108,000 wounded. The situation remains grave, with many more still missing beneath the debris of the devastated region.
