Rocket Attack on Town in Israeli-Controlled Golan Heights Kills at Least 10, Rescue Official Says
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A tragic rocket attack on Saturday targeted a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and injuring several others, including children. This incident occurred just hours after an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon claimed the lives of three members of the militant group Hezbollah, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The attack represents the deadliest incident on an Israeli target since hostilities reignited in October, raising concerns about a potential broader conflict in the region. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for striking a military base in the Golan Heights as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on a Lebanese village. However, Hezbollah's chief spokesman, Mohammed Afif, categorically denied any involvement in the attack on Majdal Shams, the town where the soccer field is located.
In a statement, the Israeli military attributed the rocket launch to the Hezbollah terrorist organization, asserting that intelligence confirmed their involvement. “The Hezbollah terrorist organization is behind the rocket launch at a soccer field in Majdal Shams which caused multiple civilian casualties, including children,” the military stated.
Initial reports from Israel’s Magen David Adom paramedic service indicated that 11 people were wounded, with nine in critical condition, all aged between 10 and 20. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos as injured individuals were rushed to ambulances on stretchers from the soccer field. Beni Ben Muvchar, head of the local council, expressed his outrage, stating, “These were kids at a soccer field. Today a red line was crossed,” and called for Israeli leaders to target top Hezbollah commanders.
The Israeli military confirmed that one projectile was detected crossing from Lebanon into the Golan Heights, and they are working closely with MDA to evacuate the wounded. Footage aired by Channel 12 showed a significant explosion in one of the town’s valleys.
Hezbollah, in its defense, stated that its militants fired Katyusha rockets at an Israeli army post in the Golan Heights in response to Israeli airstrikes on villages in southern Lebanon. The group reported the deaths of three of its members on the same day, although they did not specify the location of their deaths. The Israeli military confirmed that its air force targeted a Hezbollah arms depot in the border village of Kfar Kila, asserting that militants were present at the time of the strike.
The Golan Heights, captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed in 1981, has been a flashpoint for conflict. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza following Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken, the region has seen a surge in violence. Israel's military response has reportedly resulted in over 39,000 fatalities, displacing more than 80% of Gaza's population and creating a humanitarian crisis.
In recent weeks, the exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks extending further from the border. Since early October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have reportedly killed over 450 individuals, primarily Hezbollah members, along with around 90 civilians. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of 21 soldiers and 13 civilians.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, fearing that this latest escalation could lead to a wider regional conflict.