'50 traumatized Israeli revelers have killed themselves since Hamas attack'

’50 traumatized Israeli revelers have killed themselves since Hamas attack’

NEW DELHI: In a harrowing address to the Israeli parliament, survivor Guy Ben Shimon revealed the devastating psychological toll on attendees of the Nova Festival following the October 7 attack by Hamas. He reported that nearly 50 Israelis present at the festival had taken their own lives since the incident, with additional survivors hospitalized for severe psychiatric distress. These startling figures, he noted, might have increased in the months following.

Ben Shimon’s statement came during a session of the State Audit Commission, aimed at scrutinizing the care provided to the survivors. He criticized the Israeli state bodies for their inadequate support and failure to effectively address the mental health needs of the victims. The Ministry of Health, however, has contested these claims, saying there has been no documented rise in the national suicide rate since the attacks, a Daily Mail report claimed.

The emotional testimony was part of a larger discussion about the lingering impacts of the attack, where survivors expressed frustrations over the lack of recognition and support for their traumatic experiences. Many survivors are reportedly struggling with daily functions and require constant psychological and emotional support to cope with the aftermath.

The attack itself, which occurred at the Nova music festival near Re’im, resulted in over 360 fatalities when Hamas gunmen opened fire on festivalgoers. The chaos and violence of that day have left deep scars on the community, with ongoing effects on the mental health of those who survived.

The hearing also touched upon broader issues, such as the alleged prevention by Israeli authorities of UN investigators from speaking with victims and witnesses as part of a probe into the events and their aftermath. This claim adds another layer of controversy and complexity to the ongoing narrative of the attack and its repercussions.

As the community continues to grapple with the fallout, the stories of the survivors paint a grim picture of trauma and a desperate need for comprehensive support services.

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