On July 27, 2024, a rocket attack struck a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of 12 people, including children. The Israeli authorities have attributed the attack to Hezbollah and vowed a severe response. The incident, which occurred in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, has been marked as the deadliest attack in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since the onset of the current conflict in Gaza.
Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack, which sharply escalates tensions between the heavily armed adversaries. The rocket hit a soccer pitch filled with children and teenagers, causing significant casualties and damage. The Israeli ambulance service reported that 13 additional people were wounded in the attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was returning from the United States, announced plans to bring his flight forward and convene his security cabinet. Netanyahu emphasized that Hezbollah would face a heavy price for the attack. In response, Hezbollah has dismissed the allegations, asserting that the attack was not carried out by them.
The United States condemned the attack and reiterated its support for Israel’s security. The White House affirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to de-escalate the violence along the Blue Line, the border between Lebanon and Israel. Russia also condemned the attack, calling for an end to all terrorist actions.
The Israeli military identified the rocket as an Iranian-made Falaq-1 and reported that the launch originated from southern Lebanon. The escalation follows an Israeli strike in Lebanon that killed four militants, reportedly from various armed groups including Hezbollah. In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple rocket attacks targeting Israeli positions.
The conflict has led to significant displacement on both sides, with ongoing violence impacting civilians and military personnel alike. The UNIFIL peacekeeping force and international diplomats are working to understand the incident and maintain calm amid the heightened tensions.
