The Israeli Ministry of Military Affairs has reported significant casualties in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, following a large-scale attack by Hamas, the Israeli military has suffered substantial losses.
The number of disabled Israeli soldiers has surpassed the 70,000 mark for the first time, adding that 8,663 troops have also been injured since the start of the war on Gaza.
The report revealed by the rehabilitation division of the Israeli ministry said that 35% of those wounded since the start of the Gaza massacre are struggling with mental health conditions, while 21% sustained physical injuries.
The department is expecting for an influx of approximately 20,000 additional injured soldiers from the beginning of the ongoing conflict until the conclusion of 2024.
As of the latest reports, the Israeli military has confirmed that approximately 600 soldiers have been killed in the conflict. This figure reflects the intense and prolonged nature of the fighting, which has seen heavy casualties on both sides. The conflict began with a surprise attack by Hamas militants who infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli civilian deaths and numerous hostages taken (Asharq Al-Awsat) (The Times of Israel).
In response, Israel launched a comprehensive military campaign involving air, land, and sea operations against Gaza. This campaign has led to severe destruction and a high death toll among Palestinians, with estimates of over 32,000 Palestinians killed, including a significant number of Hamas fighters. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically, with widespread displacement and critical shortages of food and medical supplies (The Times of Israel).
The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis. Calls for a ceasefire and negotiations have been frequent, but the conflict continues to rage, exacerbating the suffering of civilians on both sides. The Israeli military’s efforts to combat Hamas have included targeting infrastructure and tunnel networks used by the militant group, but the toll on soldiers and civilians alike remains high (Asharq Al-Awsat) (The Times of Israel).
