By A rocket attack on Saturday targeted a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and wounding several others, including children, according to Israeli authorities. The attack occurred hours after an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed three members of the militant Hezbollah group.
The strike, the deadliest on an Israeli target since the renewed hostilities between the two foes began in October, has raised fears of a broader conflagration in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was returning home urgently from a trip to the United States, his office confirmed.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for striking a military base in the Golan Heights in retaliation for Israeli attacks on a village in Lebanon. However, Hezbollah chief spokesman Mohammed Afif told The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams.
Chief spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari addressed journalists, asserting that “Hezbollah is lying.” He confirmed that all 11 people killed were aged 10 to 20 and that more than 20 others were wounded.
In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli military indicated that, based on intelligence, “the rocket launch toward Majdal Shams was carried out by the Hezbollah terrorist organization.” The statement further accused Hezbollah of orchestrating the attack that resulted in the casualties at the soccer field in Majdal Shams.
