In a devastating incident, footage has emerged showing the moment a Hezbollah rocket struck a soccer field in the northern Druze town of Majdal Shams, resulting in numerous casualties.
Emergency services have confirmed at least 11 casualties in serious and critical condition, including children.
The rocket barrage, which is the deadliest single attack in Israeli territory since October 7, killed 11 people and wounded 29 others in the annexed Golan Heights.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have identified Hezbollah as the perpetrator behind the attack on the Druze village.
A local resident described the attack as “horrible,” with scenes of dead children on the football field.
The spiritual leader of the community, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, expressed his grief, stating, “It’s impossible to imagine and describe the horrific images of children and their smashed [body] parts strewn on the grass.”
Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, asserting that Hezbollah had “crossed all red lines,” indicating that Israel is now facing an all-out war.
President Isaac Herzog urged the international community to act against “Hassan Nasrallah’s terror attacks,” which he claimed were directed by Iran.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari termed the attack the deadliest against Israel since the October 7 massacre, emphasizing the escalation of the conflict and the targeting of Druze Israeli children.
Despite Hezbollah’s denial of involvement, the IDF maintains that the attack aligns with Hezbollah’s tactics of targeting civilians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his return from the US will be expedited in response to the attack.
He warned Hezbollah of severe repercussions, promising a heavy price for the assault. Government officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Nir Barkat, have called for a decisive and severe response to Hezbollah.
This attack follows recent airstrikes by Israel in southern Lebanon, which reportedly killed two Hezbollah members.
The continuous attacks have displaced approximately 60,000 Israeli civilians along the border with Lebanon.
Hezbollah has launched over 5,000 drones, anti-tank missiles, and rockets at northern Israel since October 8, leading to over 40 fatalities, including 21 civilians.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep sorrow over the attack on Majdal Shams, highlighting the tragic deaths of small children who were playing soccer.
He conveyed solidarity with the Druze community, stating, “We embrace the families, embrace the entire Druze community in its difficult time, which is also our difficult time.”