Israeli media is reporting that more than 5,000 Israeli soldiers have been injured in Gaza since the conflict began on October 7, with more than 2,000 officially recognised by the Ministry of Defence as disabled.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper revealed today that more than 58% of those injured suffered serious harm to their hands and feet, necessitating amputations.
“More than 5,000 wounded soldiers arrived in hospitals in Israel,” said the daily. “More than 2,000 were officially recognised by the Ministry of Defence as disabled.”
Limor Luria, deputy director general and head of Israel’s Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department, told the newspaper: “We have never experienced anything similar to this. More than 58% of the wounded we receive have serious injuries to their hands and feet, including amputations.”
Luria added: “About 12% of injuries are internal consisting of damage to the spleen, kidneys, and rupture of internal organs. About 7% suffer from psychological distress, a number we know will rise sharply.”
On Wednesday, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported that hundreds of Israeli soldiers have suffered severe eye injuries, with some losing vision in one or both eyes.
KAN’s report added that at least 40 soldiers have hospitalised at Bersheeba’s Soroka Medical Center since October 7 with severe eye injuries.
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Israel has been tight-lipped about the extent of army casualties during the invasion of Gaza. Official communications have claimed that just over 200 soldiers have been injured during the invasion.
At least 420 members of the Israeli army and security forces have been killed since October 7, with 93 killed during the invasion of Gaza, according to the Israeli military.
The total Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stood at 1,200, according to official figures.
Meanwhile, at least 17,487 Palestinians have been killed and more than 46,480 others injured in relentless air and ground attacks on the enclave since October 7 following a cross-border attack by Hamas.
