Israeli soldiers inside an evacuated compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza City, as fighting continues between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Credit: Jack Guez/AFP)
Since Oct. 7, 2023, approximately 12,000 Israeli soldiers have been injured and the number of patients in rehabilitation wards has increased by approximately 20 percent to 74,000 people, according to the Defense Ministry, reported by Haaretz.
About 1,000 wounded soldiers are admitted each month, as well as about 500 new requests for recognition of injuries from previous incidents. According to estimates by the ministry's rehabilitation division, by 2030, the Israeli military will have about 100,000 disabled people, 50 percent of whom will suffer from psychological disorders.
About 51 percent of the injured are between the ages of 18 and 30, and about 43 percent of them suffer from psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to the rehabilitation division, all medical boards for the injured have been postponed for one year, in line with the existing policy. The division also said that about 500 therapists have been recruited and 10 rehabilitation centers have been opened across the country, as well as three shelters.