A rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 people, including children, escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, Reuters reports.
The attack happened in Majdal Shams, a Druze village, with the rocket hitting as children and teenagers were playing soccer. The Israeli ambulance service reported 13 more injuries from the football ground attack. The Israeli military identified the rocket as an Iranian-made Falaq-1. Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing heavy retaliation. Hezbollah had claimed responsibility for other rocket attacks targeting Israeli military positions, but has denied involvement in this incident.
The conflict has displaced thousands in Lebanon and Israel. Israeli strikes have killed around 350 Hezbollah fighters and over 100 civilians in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s attacks have killed 17 Israeli soldiers and 23 civilians since October. The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon is working to maintain calm and avoid further escalation.
