A devastating attack in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including children, after a rocket struck a village on Saturday. Israeli authorities reported the incident, which has heightened concerns about a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Israel identified "approximately 30 projectiles" crossing from Lebanon into its territory, attributing the assault to Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group. This attack is considered the deadliest since October 7.
Among the 12 fatalities, at least 29 individuals were injured in the attack on Majdal Shams, a village with a significant Druze community. The assault hit various locations, including a soccer field where children and teenagers were playing, according to IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. He described the incident as 'the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since October 7,' underscoring the profound impact on the local community.
Hagari revealed that the rocket that struck the soccer field was an "Iranian Falaq 1 rocket carrying a 50-kilogram warhead," a model used exclusively by Hezbollah. He stated, "Tonight, this caused the deaths of 12 boys and girls." The Ziv Medical Center in Safed reported receiving 26 wounded individuals, five of whom were admitted to the trauma center. Over the past nine months, the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya and Ziv Medical Center in Safed have treated soldiers and civilians injured in attacks, cared for children, and performed emergency surgeries in fortified or underground facilities.
ZAKA Search & Rescue Assisting At The Attack Site
Prof. Masad Barhoum, director of the Galilee Medical Center, mentioned that the hospitals are 'preparing for the Third Lebanon War.' Both Barhoum and Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Ziv Medical Center, stated that their hospitals are on 'high alert.' Staff are stockpiling food and supplies, anticipating the possibility of becoming isolated due to infrastructure and communication breakdowns, mass casualties, and destruction, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation.
Preparing for Full-Scale War in Safed
Prof. Zarka of Ziv Medical Center in Safed indicated that the hospital is preparing for full-scale war. Located about seven miles from the Lebanese border and just over 50 miles from the Syrian border, the hospital has treated over 290 wounded civilians and soldiers since October 7. In the coming weeks, Zarka stated that the hospital will be equipped as a Level 1 trauma center, capable of performing neurosurgery and thoracic surgery without needing to transfer patients to other facilities.
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The Israel Magen Fund of Canada supports different life-saving initiatives in Israel. Your contributions are not just financial aid; they are a lifeline. Through your donations, we aid Ziv Medical Centre, ZAKA Search & Rescue, and the Arbel Institute, which treat mental trauma in Israel.
Your support provides essential training, deploys rescue vehicles, and enables the development of emergency protocols to address terrorist attacks, helping to treat those impacted by such incidents. Your support is felt daily by Israelis, ensuring that these vital services continue to save lives.
At this crucial time, Canadians can make a significant impact by donating to the Israel Magen Fund of Canada to bolster the medical facilities at Ziv Medical Centre.