An Israeli police officer, initially reported to have been killed by friendly fire, has died by suicide due to severe psychological distress following his involvement in Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.

Israeli daily Haaretz revealed on Monday that the officer had participated in intense military assaults on Gaza’s civilian population before returning with severe mental health issues. His distress was linked to the brutality of a war that has killed at least 48,200 Palestinians and left 844 Israeli forces dead, including 69 police officers.

The officer’s death was first reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, which claimed it was caused by friendly fire. However, Haaretz later disclosed that he had been battling deep psychological trauma, leading to suicidal thoughts. In a desperate act, he reportedly disguised himself as a Palestinian and shouted "Allahu Akbar" in an attempt to provoke a fatal response.

This case highlights the psychological toll of Israel’s war on Gaza on its own forces. According to Haaretz, at least 28 Israeli soldiers have died by suicide since the war began, marking the highest rate since 2015. A recent video showing a soldier throwing himself in front of a moving train in Tel Aviv has further fuelled concerns.

Amid growing fears, the Israeli army has recruited 800 psychiatrists and established additional counselling centres. Reports indicate that more than 3,900 soldiers have sought psychological support, many struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and disillusionment following months of deployment. Experts warn that the psychological impact extends beyond individual soldiers, affecting entire communities.