Children and Teens Among 12 Dead in Golan Heights Attack Blamed on Hezbollah, Raising Fears of Major Escalation

On Saturday, a missile attack on a community in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights killed 12 people, including children. Israeli sources blamed Hezbollah for the deadliest attack since October 7.


About 30 missiles from Lebanon entered Israel. Hezbollah acknowledged striking other Golan Heights areas but denied the tragic strike. After the strike, Israeli airplanes bombed Hezbollah weapon stores and infrastructure in Lebanon.

The incident increases concerns of a major Israel-Lebanon border escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises Hezbollah “pay a heavy price.” For ten months, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire more often.

The rocket hit Majdal Shams, injuring 29 people. About 20,000 Druze Arabs and 50,000 Israeli Jews live there. A soccer field that was full of kids was hit. The IDF classified it as a Hezbollah-only Iranian Falaq 1 rocket.

Netanyahu halted his US tour to condemn the attack and promise swift action. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the village to show sympathy and warn Hezbollah of consequences.

Eyewitnesses from Majdal Shams detailed the attack’s aftermath and damage. The attack killed teens and young adults, according to emergency services.

This incident exacerbates border tensions. Israeli and Hezbollah attacks into one other’s areas are intensifying. Since Israel murdered two high-ranking Hezbollah commanders, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of missiles into Israel, worsening the situation.

The Lebanese government condemned the violence and demanded a quick ceasefire, stating that attacking people breaches international law. The IDF claims that Israeli intelligence proves Hezbollah’s involvement in the Majdal Shams attack, despite its denials.

International condemnation and demands for moderation have highlighted the urgent need to prevent further escalation.

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