Middle East latest: IDF says it killed Hezbollah official expected to be next leader; moment of rocket strike in Beirut captured on camera | World news

A woman who survived the Nova Festival massacre took her own life on her 22nd birthday because she was “haunted by the psychological scars of her experience”, according to a charity supporting those involved in the 7 attacks October.

Shirel Golan’s death is “a devastating reminder of the ongoing trauma these survivors face and the crushing weight of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),” SafeHeart said in a statement.

Her family has criticized the Israeli government for not doing enough to support her after the event (more in the 1:35 p.m. post).

SafeHeart, which provides mental health care to Nova survivors, said those involved in the attack are still struggling with the devastating trauma of that day more than a year later.

Although it has lobbied the Israeli government to increase the number of subsidized therapy sessions for survivors from 36 to 48, the provision remains “insufficient for what is actually needed”, the charity said.

“Shirel’s family is right: the government must take action and do more. We stand with the Golan family in a loud call to action: we cannot allow another family to lose a loved one to this tragedy,” the statement said.

Nearly 400 Israelis were killed at the site of the Nova festival during Hamas attacks last October.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, you can call your nearest Samaritans branch or 1 (800) 273-TALK.