Tel Aviv: An Israeli reservist tragically ended his life following a mobilization order for military service, as reported by Israeli public broadcaster Kan on Monday. This incident highlights the severe psychological toll that the ongoing conflict is taking on military personnel.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israel’s Defense Ministry Rehabilitation Department has observed a significant increase in casualties. Since October 7, 2023, the onset of Israel’s military offensive on Gaza, approximately 12,000 injured service members from the military and security forces have been documented. This figure reflects a 20% rise in the number of soldiers receiving treatment, bringing the total to roughly 74,000. Among these, about 1,500 soldiers have suffered repeat injuries amid the persistent clashes.
The conflict’s expansion into Lebanon has exacerbated the situation. Since the beginning of Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon in early October, there has been a 1.5-fold increase in casualties, with approximately 900
new admissions to hospitals compared to September, as noted by the ministry.
The broader regional tensions have intensified due to Israel’s aggressive campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of over 43,400 individuals, predominantly women and children, following a Hamas attack last year. The violence has also spread to Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people and injured nearly 13,500 others since last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.
International warnings indicate that the Middle East is teetering on the edge of a wider regional conflict, as Israel continues its relentless military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The escalation was marked by Tel Aviv’s ground assault into southern Lebanon on October 1, further fueling the ongoing crisis.