The Israeli Ministry of Defense has confirmed that 1,152 members of the country’s security forces have been killed since Hamas launched its large-scale attack on October 7, 2023.
The casualties include Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, police officers, Shin Bet intelligence agents, special operations personnel, and members of readiness and reserve units.
Nearly half of the fallen were under 21, most serving mandatory military service, while 141 were over 40.
Most were reservists, career officers, or soldiers serving beyond their initial enlistment period. In total, 1,086 were men and 66 were women.
Continuous Support for Bereaved Families
The defense ministry said that its Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division continues to to provide emotional and financial support to relatives of the deceased.
The conflict has added more than 6,500 bereaved family members to the support system, including 1,973 parents, 351 widows, 885 children, and 3,481 siblings.
A 60 million Israeli new shekel ($18.1 million) program has expanded these services, offering housing, counseling, financial aid, and tailored assistance for widows, orphans, and other relatives, according to local media.
“Every family is a whole world and this is how we treat the members of the families and fulfill our moral duty as a society to the fallen and their families,” said Aryeh Mualem, head of the division.
Ongoing Conflict
The October 7 attack by Hamas triggered Israeli military operations across Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
Gaza health authorities report more than 66,000 deaths, mostly civilians, while the UN and human rights groups have raised concerns over possible violations of international law.
