"My brother Ziv was meant for greatness in the army, and gave a lot in defense of the state; we are now asking from all the people of Israel to pray for him to return to health and that he recovers from the life-threatening condition he is now in," said Yaniv Shilon, brother of Cpt. Ziv Shilon (24) who sustained moderate to serious wounds Tuesday morning along the border fence with Gaza when a bomb detonated near him.

Shilon is now in the intensive care unit at Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center, where he underwent surgery following his evacuation. According to the head of the intensive care unit, Dr. Moti Klein, Shilon arrived at the hospital in serious condition. Yaniv Shilon said the family was informed by doctors that they were unable to save his brother's left hand and were forced to amputate it.

"Dr. Klein told us that the doctors were trying to save his right hand, because there was no blood flow or pulse. They also told us that despite their optimism that Ziv will survive, his situation is still critical and they are in effect fighting for his life, because in addition to his limb wounds he was also hit with lots of shrapnel," said Yaniv.

Hila Magidovich, Shilon's sister, added that the family hoped her brother's injuries wouldn't end his military career.

"Everyone predicted a great military career for my brother, and I hope these dreams will come true," Hila Magidovich said.

According to Magidovich, Shilon was expected to assume a new commanding position in the Givati Infantry Brigade soon.

"We are hoping and praying that Ziv fully recovers and we ask that the entire country say a prayer for him," she said holding back the tears.