War’s hidden toll: Two-thirds of Israeli women report mental health decline 

Months into the Gaza war, a staggering 68% of Israeli women report a decline in their mental health, with many experiencing new or worsening medical conditions, according to a survey conducted by the Briah Foundation for women's health.

The survey, which covered both evacuated and non-evacuated women, was conducted in May-June, approximately eight months after the war began.

The results show that 30% of evacuated women now require psychological support. Among evacuees, 17% reported a deterioration in physical health, compared to 11% of non-evacuees.

Mental health declines were also higher among evacuees, with 37% reporting worsening conditions versus 19% of non-evacuees. Initially, evacuees from southern regions had higher rates of mental health decline following the Hamas massacre on October 7, but eight months into the conflict, both northern and southern evacuees are reporting similar levels of deterioration.

Overall, 35% of evacuees and 22% of all surveyed women reported experiencing new or aggravated health issues since the conflict began.

Among these, 22% involved psychological conditions, 22% were related to hormonal or metabolic changes, particularly menstrual irregularities, and 17% experienced musculoskeletal pain. Additional symptoms included headaches, skin problems, and sleep disturbances, further highlighting the war’s toll on women's health.