The Israeli Defense Forces spokesman authorized the release of information this evening (Wednesday), revealing that the soldier killed this morning in the heavy barrage towards Upper Galilee was Sgt. Amr Sara Benju, a 20-year-old from Moshav Gia. Benju was a member of the ground collection unit of the 869th Battalion, ‘Uzbet HaGalil’ (91). The lethal attack was launched from Lebanese territory towards a base in the Northern sector of Israel. In addition to the tragic loss of Sgt. Benju, the barrage also resulted in injuries to eight other individuals.
Ben Caspit and Prof. Aryeh Eldad, during their program on 103FM, had a discussion with Prof. Salman Zarqa, the director of the “Ziv” hospital in Safed. Prof. Zarqa provided updates on the condition of the wounded and talked about the hospital’s preparedness for a potential escalation in the Northern sector.
“Shooting at Safed, at the command, at various areas. Unfortunately, both dead and wounded,” said Prof. Zarka. “Ten wounded people arrived at Ziv, at the time of the incident eight arrived. One of them turned out to be in a serious condition quite quickly, although at first it was defined as light. Shrapnel that entered the skull, he was anesthetized, ventilated, and Mosk was taken to Rambam. All the injured are wounded by shrapnel, mainly in the limbs. The soldier with a shrapnel in her stomach, which fortunately did not damage her internal organs, currently does not need surgery. Later, more wounded also arrived, ringing in the ears. In total, we received ten wounded.”
In light of the escalating tensions, Prof. Zarqa revealed that they had been making more use of their protected areas since the beginning of October. The hospital is committed to continuing its treatment of existing patients, including those with cancer, even while preparing for a potential escalation in conflict.
“In the past four months, I treated close to 180 wounded that are directly related to a combat hit by an anti-tank vehicle, as a UAV, so it is not yet defined as war, but the battles happen every day, the wounded are not something isolated. We treat the wounded, with the readiness of protection, in high readiness for war. The team goes through drills, buys equipment, ready for all scenarios of a disconnection of one kind or another. And yet it is not called war, it may be speculation.”
Prof. Zarqa also shared about the reinforcements they are receiving from other hospitals, and the assistance they are getting from volunteer American Jewish doctors. These doctors come to Ziv, stay for two weeks, treat the patients, and get to know the staff. They have a temporary license to practice medicine in Israel and are ready to return should a state of war be declared.
Summing up the situation, Zarqa said, “I think the Ministry of Health generates very good solidarity. I am not in emergency mode, my assessment of the situation changes. Every week we conduct an assessment of the situation and react accordingly. At the beginning of October, I dropped to a 20 percent occupancy due to higher preparedness, today I am at higher occupancy. I manage an operational routine, and I think that, overall, my team manages to provide the necessary response.”
