More than 10,000 Israeli soldiers have been injured since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023. For many, the battlefield has left not only physical scars, but also deep emotional wounds and psychological trauma. Among them is Sagi Balaban, a former Israeli soldier who has returned after being discharged, only to face devastation on his first day in Gaza. This is his story.
DR. SAGI BALABAN Reserved Major at Israeli Army and Oral Surgeon "My name is Sagiv Balaban. I'm 51 years-old, married to Maya, and a father to three sons – Yoav, Nadav, and Ido. I'm an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
"The day after the war started, I looked for a way to contribute because sitting at home just wasn't for me. I heard they were looking for doctors for the unit for Identifying Fallen Soldiers.
"I contacted them, and after a few days, I was drafted. Six days after the conflict began, I started my service in the unit. I was in Gaza for about 18 hours before the injury occurred.
"The incident happened at 9:30 a.m. A mortar shell exploded very close to me. Nine seconds later, another mortar shell fell just 1.5 meters from me. To explain how it feels, imagine being hit by a truck going 200 kilometers per hour. It's incredibly violent.
"There's a very brief moment of silence, and then chaos breaks out – noise, shouting, and maybe even gunfire. I don't know.
"That was one of the most painful things I've ever experienced. There were other moments of pain later during rehabilitation, but the tourniquet was excruciating.
"Lying there in the trauma room, with the pain gone due to the morphine, I felt warm and comfortable. That was the most peaceful moment I had from the time of the injury until today. The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room, crying – for no reason – nonstop.
"Fortunately, I had the chance to call my children and Maya from the trauma room. I said something very simple: 'Pitz, I'm injured. I'm at Tel HaShomer Hospital. I'm okay. Come.
"Work is a central part of my life. I wake up every morning smiling, excited to go to work because I love what I do. At one point, it wasn't clear if I would be able to operate again. If my right hand hadn't regained function, it would have been catastrophic for me.
"Today, I'm back to work and performing surgeries, though not at the same pace as before the injury. I'd say I'm working at about 50 percent of the hours I used to.
"Because it's a traumatic event – it stays with you. It's something you can't forget; it's always there.
"For example, a couple of days ago, when the hostages were returned, I felt triggered. Although I was happy, it brought back memories because our mission involved identifying bodies that could have been our hostages. That day wasn't easy for me.
"I think there's no other way. The hostages need to come back, and the conflict needs to stop. But it's clear to me that this is the only way. For me, the return of the hostages a few days ago is just the beginning. Yes, this is the national mission. Without this, there is no victory. Without it, we've lost."