Israeli reserve soldiers petition the Knesset to halt Prime Minister Netanyahu's allegedly unlawful military conflict

In the heart of the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for 700 days, leaving families calling for an end to the war and causing a significant strain on the mental health of Israeli reservists and citizens.

The ongoing hostilities have taken a toll on the psychological well-being of many, with experts warning that the number of soldier deaths in Gaza should include an indeterminate number of suicides, a phenomenon that has been silenced by the media and military authorities, according to these experts.

Lieutenant Colonel in reserve and psychological support specialist Tuly Flint works with Israeli reservists affected by the Gaza conflict. He has noted widespread weariness among reservists, with people no longer wanting to pay the price or be part of a genocide.

This growing discontent and resistance within Israeli society have led to unprecedented actions, such as a group of reservists storming the Knesset, Israel's parliament, to express their discontent with the ongoing conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces have recognized the death of 900 soldiers in Gaza, but the impact of the conflict extends beyond the battlefield. Many returning reservists are struggling with traumas that hinder their ability to return to normal life.

The priority of freeing hostages is no longer seen as a priority by the reservists, according to Flint. The reservists believe that even the army's attacks put the captives directly at risk.

Some Israeli citizens have gone so far as to publicly declare their refusal to participate in what they call the "illegal war" led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The names of these individuals are not disclosed in the available sources, but about 400 reservists collectively announced their refusal, stating it as their patriotic duty to reject the call and demand accountability from their leaders.

The conflict's impact on Israeli citizens includes psychological trauma and a struggle to return to normal life. Hamas has published a video of two hostages in Gaza, adding to the emotional turmoil felt by many.

The official government narrative has collapsed in the eyes of the reservists, according to Flint. The reservists shouted that some comrades are unable to cope with the mental strain of the conflict.

As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how the Israeli society will navigate these challenging times and when, if ever, a resolution will be reached.