TEL AVIV, Israel — Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Sunday following a devastating rocket attack on a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers. The Israeli military attributed the attack to a rocket fired from Lebanon, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In response to the attack, the Israeli military launched a series of strikes against targets in Lebanon, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing cross-border violence. The attack occurred at a critical juncture, as Israel and Hamas engage in negotiations for a cease-fire proposal to end the nearly 10-month war in Gaza and secure the release of approximately 110 hostages.
The rocket attack, which took place on Saturday evening, struck a soccer pitch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, located near the Syrian border. The blast killed 12 young people, aged 10-20, and injured 20 others. The town, home to a significant Druze population, was left reeling from the tragedy.
“It’s like a nightmare,” said Anan Abu Saleh, a resident of Majdal Shams. “I saw things that I never want to see again. We need more security, and we need it now.” The town’s soccer field, once a hub of activity, was transformed into a scene of devastation, with shrapnel and bloodstains scattered across the ground.
As the town mourned the loss of its young residents, the Israeli military prepared for potential further clashes with Hezbollah. Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military’s Chief of Staff, met with local leaders and warned that Israel was ready to respond to any future attacks. “We know how to strike, even at a distance,” he said.
Hezbollah, which has been involved in the cross-border violence, denied responsibility for the attack. However, U.S. intelligence officials believe that the militant group was behind the strike, although it is unclear whether the target was intentional or a misfire.
The attack has significant implications for the region, with the potential to derail ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza. An Egyptian official suggested that the attack could actually accelerate the talks, as mediators seek to avoid an all-out war in the region. “Both fronts are connected,” the official said. “A cease-fire in Gaza will lead to a cease-fire with Hezbollah.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains on high alert. Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, warned Israel against taking any “unwise actions,” which could lead to “unprecedented consequences.” The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire deal in Gaza, with officials meeting in Rome on Sunday to discuss the latest developments.
