At least 12 people, including children, were killed in a rocket attack on a village in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, sparking fears of a major escalation in the conflict. Israel identified the projectiles as coming from Lebanon and blamed the Iran-backed Hezbollah group for the deadliest attack since October 7. Hezbollah denied firing the rockets.
In response to the attack, Israeli warplanes targeted Hezbollah sites in Lebanon. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been escalating for almost 10 months, with regional leaders warning of a boiling point. The attack in Majdal Shams, a village with a large Druze community, left 12 dead and 29 injured.
The Golan Heights, seized by Israel from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981, is considered occupied territory under international law. The area is home to Druze Arabs and Israeli Jewish settlers. The attack targeted a soccer field where children were playing, using an Iranian rocket exclusive to Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a heavy price for Hezbollah and cut short his visit to the US to return to Israel. The Defense Minister visited the village to express condolences and promised that Hezbollah would pay for the attack.
The situation remains tense at the border, with both sides prepared for further escalation. Israel has vowed not to ignore the attack, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation for any potential repercussions. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to pose a threat to regional stability, with the risk of further violence looming.
Dire sights
A rocket attack on a soccer field in Majdal Shams tragically killed Druze children aged 8 to 15. Adeeb Safadi, a local resident, shared that the victims were attending a football training session when the strike occurred. Some children remain unidentified due to the severity of injuries. Another witness, Taymor Wili, described the horrific scene after the air raid signal.
The incident, unprecedented in the area, left many feeling helpless. The casualties, mainly teenagers and young adults, suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious. Medics from Magen David Adom arrived to a chaotic scene, triaging and treating the wounded. Ziv Medical Center received 26 injured individuals, with five in critical condition.
Police are actively securing the area and removing any potential dangers. The community is shaken by the tragic event, with long-lasting memories of the dark day. Adeeb Safadi and other locals attempted to assist but were overwhelmed by the devastation. The search for answers and justice continues in the aftermath of the senseless violence.
Major escalation
The attack on Saturday marked a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, who have been in a state of war for decades. Recent strikes have intensified, with both Hezbollah and Israel targeting each other’s territory. The conflict escalated following the killing of two Hezbollah commanders by Israel, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Hezbollah.
During an attack by Hamas in October, over 1,200 people were killed and many more injured and displaced in Gaza. Israeli President Herzog condemned Saturday’s attack and vowed to defend Israel’s citizens. Opposition leader Gantz called for increased IDF presence in the area to address security concerns.
Lebanon denounced the attack, calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning violence against civilians as a violation of international law. The government emphasized the need to prioritize humanity and peace in the conflict. Israeli forces have been relocated to southern Israel following recent events in Gaza.
The situation remains tense in the border area, with both sides showing a willingness to defend their interests. The international community has been urged to address Hezbollah’s actions, which are seen as being influenced by Iran. The conflict highlights the fragility of the region and the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.
Hezbollah ‘firmly denies’ involvement
The IDF has accused Hezbollah of attacking Majdal Shams, but the militant group denied involvement, claiming no connection to the incident. Hezbollah did admit to targeting an Israeli military site in a different part of the Golan Heights. The IDF, however, stated that the rocket was launched from southern Lebanon, contradicting Hezbollah’s denial.
The IDF spokesperson accused Hezbollah of lying and being responsible for the attack, condemning them for killing innocent children. The White House expressed unwavering support for Israel, condemning the attack. The National Security Council emphasized the need to prioritize ending such attacks along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an independent international investigation into the attacks and urged all parties to show restraint to prevent further escalation. The shocking incident at the soccer field in Majdal Shams was strongly condemned, with Borrell stressing the importance of avoiding further bloodshed.