A rocket attack on a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights on Saturday resulted in at least 10 deaths and multiple injuries, including those of children. This incident occurred just hours after an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, which killed three members of the militant group Hezbollah.
The attack marks the deadliest strike on an Israeli target since the recent escalation of conflict between the two sides began in October, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting a military base in the Golan Heights as retaliation for Israeli strikes on a village in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s chief spokesman, Mohammed Afif, informed The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams.”
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The Israeli military stated on Saturday that, based on the intelligence it has, “the rocket launch toward Majdal Shams was carried out by the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”
“The Hezbollah terrorist organization is behind the rocket launch at a soccer field in Majdal Shams which caused multiple civilian casualties, including children, earlier this evening,” the statement said.
Israel’s Magen David Adom paramedic service initially reported 11 individuals wounded, with nine in critical condition, all aged between 10 and 20. Israeli Public Broadcaster Kan broadcast footage showing some of the injured being transported on stretchers to ambulances from a soccer field in the town of Majdal Shams.
“These were kids at a soccer field,” Beni Ben Muvchar, head of the local council, provided details to Israeli Channel 12.
He stated, “Today a red line was crossed,” and called on Israeli leaders to target top Hezbollah commanders.
Hezbollah stated that its firing of Katyusha rockets at an Israeli military post in the Golan Heights was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on villages in southern Lebanon. The group reported that three of its members were killed on Saturday, though it did not specify the location. In response, Israel’s military said its air force targeted a Hezbollah arms depot in the border village of Kfar Kila, where militants were present at the time.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war and subsequently annexed the territory in 1981.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict following Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged frequent fire. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has led to more than 39,000 deaths, displaced over 80% of the territory’s population, and caused a significant humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities.
In recent weeks, the conflict between Lebanon and Israel has escalated, with increased exchanges of fire including Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks extending beyond the border area.
Since early October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 450 deaths, primarily among Hezbollah members, but also including approximately 90 civilians and non-combatants. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of 21 soldiers and 13 civilians.
(Includes inputs from online sources)
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