On July 27, 2024, a devastating rocket attack struck a football field in Majdal Shams, a Druze-populated town in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, killing at least 11 people, mostly children and teenagers aged 10-20, and injuring over 30 others. This incident marks the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since October 7, 2023.Israeli authorities have accused the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah of carrying out the attack, with the Israeli military identifying the rocket as a Falak-1, an Iranian-made type reportedly used exclusively by Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has categorically denied any involvement in the incident.In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut short his visit to Washington and called for emergency security consultations. Netanyahu vowed that Hezbollah would ‘pay a heavy price’ for the attack, stating, ‘We will not leave this deadly attack without a response’. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, promising to ‘deliver a strong blow to the enemy’.The international community has strongly condemned the attack. The United States called it ‘horrific’ and reaffirmed its support for Israel’s security. The European Union has joined in the condemnation and called for an independent international investigation.This incident has dramatically escalated tensions in the region, raising fears of a potential broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has called for calm and is in contact with both sides to reduce tensions.As the situation remains volatile, the Israeli military has been put on high alert. The US government has warned of the possibility of an open war between Israel and Hezbollah, and has reportedly deployed warships in the Mediterranean to prevent an escalation of the conflict.
Key points
- A rocket attack on a football field in the Golan Heights killed at least 11 people, mostly children and teenagers.
- Israel has accused Hezbollah of the attack, identifying the rocket as an Iranian-made Falak-1.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed a severe response, raising fears of broader regional conflict.
- The international community, including the US and EU, has condemned the attack and called for de-escalation.
Contradictions👾While most sources report 11 casualties, some articles mention 10 or 12 deaths, indicating some discrepancy in the reported death toll.
👾There is conflicting information about Benjamin Netanyahu’s role, with some sources referring to him as Prime Minister and others as Defense Minister.
