Daniel Edri, 24, set himself on fire after returning from Gaza
Israeli military reservist Daniel Edri, 24, took his own life by setting himself on fire in Biriya Forest near Safed, northern Israel. His death came shortly after returning from his deployment in Gaza, where he was assigned to transport the bodies of fellow Israeli soldiers.
“I smell the bodies, I can’t take it anymore”
According to Israeli media, Edri suffered from severe mental distress due to his experiences during the ongoing war in Gaza. His mother revealed that he repeatedly told her about the unbearable trauma he faced: “He told me that he saw horrors, and said to me that he smells the bodies and sees them all the time.”
Edri’s mental health reportedly deteriorated further after two of his close friends were killed at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Despite seeking medical help, his condition worsened, ultimately leading to his tragic decision.
Family demands military honors
His mother is now calling on the Israeli military to grant Edri a full military funeral, which has not yet been approved. She emphasized his long service and the emotional toll it took on him.
Mental health crisis grows inside Israel
Earlier this year, Israeli media reported that more than 100,000 Israelis have developed psychological disorders linked to the war on Gaza. Around 67,000 of these cases emerged after October 7, reflecting a growing crisis within Israeli society.
Gaza toll remains staggering
While Israeli officials highlight the mental health toll on soldiers and citizens, the war has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,700 Palestinians—most of them women and children—since October 2023.