IDF Faces Unprecedented Soldier Losses Post-Hamas Attack

Since the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas, Israel reports 891 military casualties, surpassing previous records since the Yom Kippur War. The IDF highlights operational deaths, accidents, and a concerning rise in suicides. With enhanced mental health support, the army is responding to the increasing psychological toll on its personnel.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have recorded an alarming 891 casualties since the October 7 Hamas attacks, marking the highest soldier death toll since the Yom Kippur War, according to figures released on Thursday.

In 2023 alone, 558 soldiers were killed, with operational activities accounting for 512 of these deaths. The October 7 massacre resulted in 329 fatalities. Another 16 soldiers died in accidents, and 17 deaths are under suspicion as suicides. Similar trends continued into 2024, with 295 operational deaths, 23 accidents, and 21 suicides reported. The growth in suspected suicides since the war's onset has raised serious concern.

As part of its response, the IDF has launched a round-the-clock mental health hotline, receiving over 3,900 calls. It has recruited 800 mental health officers, expanded services, and established a clinic for active-duty members. Recent measures included training commanders to detect distress signs and conducting detailed post-mission debriefings to aid mental resilience. In a significant ruling, Israel's High Court sanctioned a military burial in a civilian cemetery for Maj. Asaf Dagan, underscoring the impact of psychological issues.

The conflict also saw an increase in fatalities due to operational errors, with 60 soldiers dying in Gaza and five in Lebanon from mishaps. Each incident is investigated to improve safety protocols. Recent reports include the death of Sgt.-Maj. Yuval Shoham, tragically killed by tank turret rotation during a northern Gaza operation.

This war has become the deadliest for Israeli forces since the Yom Kippur War, emphasizing the gravity of Hamas's attack, which took over 1,200 lives and led to hostage crises. The complex situation continues to unfold with serious implications for Israeli military and civilian life.

(With inputs from agencies.)