Israel accuses Hezbollah - At least twelve children and adolescents die in rocket attack on Golan Heights
At the impact site of an Israeli-occupied Golan Heights rocket strike, at least twelve children and adolescents have been reportedly killed. This was stated by Israeli media and a high-ranking official in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They were among the direct casualties in the Arab village of Majdal Shams, according to an updated tally from the Magen David Adom rescue service. Over twenty other adolescents were injured during the attack on a soccer field. The spokesperson for the Israeli Army, Daniel Hagari, referred to it as the "deadliest attack against Israeli civilians since October 7." The Israeli Army had previously reported a rocket attack from Hezbollah. Hezbollah denied involvement immediately.
Israel threatens retaliation
"The terrorist organization Hezbollah is behind the rocket strike on the soccer field in Majdal Shams," the Israeli Army declared. Hezbollah had fired approximately 40 rockets from Lebanon towards the Golan Heights. "Hezbollah terrorists brutally attacked and murdered children today, whose only crime was going out to play football. They did not return," said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Media in Israel reported this as the deadliest incident since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in October. It raised concerns about a larger conflagration in the region.
"There is no doubt that Hezbollah has crossed all red lines," said Foreign Minister Israel Katz to Channel 12. "We are facing a comprehensive war." This could come with high costs for Israel, but the costs for Hezbollah would be even higher, warned the Chief Diplomat. Shortly thereafter, Israel announced a "response." "We will prepare for a response against Hezbollah, we will complete our assessments, and we will act," said Military Spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
Hezbollah denies allegations vehemently
In a statement, Hezbollah denied any involvement. "The Islamic Resistance has no connection to this incident," Hezbollah's military wing stated regarding the incident.
The Lebanese caretaker government condemned all acts of violence and attacks against civilians. It called for an "immediate end to all hostilities on all fronts," according to the Lebanese News Agency NNA. Attacks against civilians are a "flagrant violation of international law."
Netanyahu wants to return to Israel as soon as possible
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to return to Israel as soon as possible following the attack. "Immediately upon learning of the tragedy, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued instructions to expedite his return to Israel," Netanyahu's office stated in a message. Already in the U.S., Netanyahu received updates on the situation from his military advisor. Upon his return, the Prime Minister will convene the Security Cabinet, according to his office further.
The Times of Israel reported, citing Netanyahu's delegation in the U.S., that the previously planned evening (local time) return flight would be brought forward for some hours. Netanyahu had given a speech before the Congress and met with U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President and presidential candidate Donald Trump during his time in the U.S.
The Golan Heights are a strategically important limestone plateau, approximately 60 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide. In 1967, the plateau was captured by Israel and annexed in 1981. This was not recognized internationally. According to international law, the areas are considered Syrian territory occupied by Israel.
In the now attacked village, there are mostly Druze residents. This Arabic-speaking religious community originated from Shia Islam in the 11th century and predominantly lives in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan today.
Israeli forces and Hezbollah have been engaging in near-daily battles since the beginning of the Gaza War. The intensity has recently increased significantly. Casualties have been reported on both sides. Hezbollah, according to their own statements, acts in solidarity with the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip. For a long time, it has been feared that the conflict could spread.
- The Golan Heights, where the rocket impact occurred, is a strategically important region that Israel occupied in 1967 and annexed in 1981, despite not being internationally recognized as such.
- The children and adolescents who were killed in the rocket strike were playing soccer on a field in the Arab village of Majdal Shams, which has mainly Druze residents, a religious community with roots in Shia Islam that is predominantly present in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan.
- Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, has denied involvement in the rocket attack on the soccer field in Majdal Shams, but Israel has accused them of being behind the attack and has threatened retaliation.
