In a sobering update released on September 14, 2025, the Israeli Defence Ministry disclosed that more than 20,000 soldiers have sustained injuries since the onset of the Gaza conflict. As reported by Al Jazeera, the prolonged and intense nature of the warfare has left thousands of military personnel physically wounded and mentally scarred, with long-term implications for their health, livelihoods, and reintegration into civilian life.
One of the most alarming findings highlighted by the ministry is the prevalence of psychological trauma among the wounded. According to official data, more than half of the injured soldiers over 50% are grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other severe mental health issues. Specifically, the ministry reported that 56% of those wounded during the conflict are now facing the debilitating consequences of PTSD or related psychological conditions. These mental health challenges manifest in various forms, including chronic anxiety, depression, insomnia, and flashbacks, severely affecting the soldiers' ability to function in their daily lives.
In addition to the psychological burden, physical injuries have also taken a heavy toll. Approximately 45% of wounded troops have sustained bodily harm ranging from gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries to burns and blast-related trauma. More disturbingly, about 20% of the injured suffer from both physical and mental impairments, a dual burden that presents even greater challenges in treatment and rehabilitation.
The sheer extent of the damage inflicted on Israeli forces is underscored by the number of soldiers who now live with life-altering disabilities. According to the ministry’s report, 99 soldiers have undergone amputations and now rely on prosthetic limbs. Sixteen individuals have been left paralysed, some permanently, while 56 others are dealing with severe disabilities that will require lifelong care and support. Additionally, 24 service members have been officially classified as completely disabled, meaning they are no longer able to carry out any form of employment or daily activity without assistance.
Perhaps one of the most revealing aspects of the report is the demographic breakdown of the casualties. A striking 64% of those injured are reservists individuals who were called up from civilian life to serve during the conflict. This number reflects the extensive reliance on reserve forces and highlights the far-reaching consequences of the war on Israeli society as a whole. Many of these reservists now face the daunting challenge of returning to their families and former jobs while coping with complex and often invisible wounds.
Each month, approximately 1,000 injured soldiers are receiving treatment through the Defence Ministry’s rehabilitation system. This includes medical care, physiotherapy, psychological counseling, and support programs aimed at helping soldiers reintegrate into society. However, officials have acknowledged that the current system is under immense strain and may be insufficient to meet the rapidly growing demand, particularly for long-term mental health services.
Beyond the statistics lies a deeper human tragedy. The psychological toll of combat has emerged as one of the most critical challenges facing the Israeli military today. Many soldiers return from the battlefield changed forever haunted by what they have seen and endured. For some, the trauma manifests immediately; for others, it surfaces slowly over time, eroding their mental well-being and relationships. The prevalence of PTSD and other disorders among the wounded is a stark reminder that the costs of war extend far beyond the physical battlefield.
Military psychiatrists and health experts are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the mental health support system. They emphasize the urgent need to expand access to trained mental health professionals, increase funding for rehabilitation programs, and reduce the stigma surrounding psychological care. Without these reforms, they warn, thousands of soldiers may continue to suffer in silence.
In its report, the Defence Ministry stresses that recovery is not just about healing the body it is also about restoring the mind and spirit. The government has vowed to invest in long-term care solutions, including building new rehabilitation centers, offering community-based counseling services, and strengthening the families of the injured through education and support initiatives.
The figures revealed by the Defence Ministry offer a grim but necessary perspective on the human cost of the ongoing Gaza conflict. They serve as a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person a soldier, a son or daughter, a parent, a friend whose life has been forever altered by the trauma of war. As the conflict continues, so too does the responsibility to care for those who bear its heaviest burdens. The physical wounds may heal with time, but the psychological scars could last a lifetime, demanding compassion, awareness, and action from the nation they served.
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