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Majdal Shams attack

Coordinates: 33°15′58.4″N 35°46′05.9″E / 33.266222°N 35.768306°E / 33.266222; 35.768306
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Majdal Shams attack
Part of the Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present)
The missile impact site on the soccer field, after the casualties; both deceased and wounded were removed
Majdal Shams attack is located in the Golan Heights
Majdal Shams attack
Majdal Shams attack is located in Syria
Majdal Shams attack
Location within the Golan
LocationMajdal Shams, Israeli-occupied Golan Heights
Coordinates33°15′58.4″N 35°46′05.9″E / 33.266222°N 35.768306°E / 33.266222; 35.768306
Date27 July 2024
6:18 pm (UTC+02:00)
Attack type
Rocket attack
Deaths12
InjuredAt least 42
PerpetratorUndetermined
( Hezbollah, according to Israel, but denied by Hezbollah)

The Majdal Shams attack, also known as the Majdal Shams massacre,[1][2][3] took place when a soccer field was hit by a rocket in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the northern Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.[a] The resulting blast killed 12, and injured at least 42 others,[4][5] with most of the victims being between the ages of 10 and 16.[4]

Israel and the United States[6] said Hezbollah carried out the attack; Hezbollah claimed to have attacked an Israeli military base in the Golan but denied responsibility for hitting the soccer field, attributing it to an Israeli Iron Dome projectile.[4][7] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the rocket was an Iranian-made Falaq-1 equipped with a warhead containing over 50 kilograms of explosives.

The attack occurred amid broader regional tensions as Hezbollah, supported by Iran, began launching rockets at northern Israel and the Golan Heights following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, sparking a renewed Israel–Hezbollah conflict. Since October, 90,000 Lebanese civilians and 60,000 Israeli civilians have been displaced.[8][9]

Background

Following Hamas' 7 October attack, Hezbollah joined the conflict the next day, launching guided rockets and drone attacks at Israeli communities and military installations in Galilee and the Golan Heights. This Israel–Hezbollah conflict has displaced entire communities in Israel and Lebanon, with significant damage to buildings and land along the border. As of 5 July 2024, Israel reports having killed approximately 366 Hezbollah operatives with over 100 Lebanese civilians confirmed killed. According to the UN, over 90,000 people in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes, while in Israel, 60,000 civilians have evacuated.[10] Israel and Hezbollah have maintained their attacks at a level that causes significant harm without escalating into a full-scale war.[11] From 7 October 2023 to 21 June 2024, Israel attacked Lebanon 6,124 times. Hezbollah and other Lebanese forces attacked Israel 1,258 times.[12]

Hezbollah employed advanced Iranian-origin missiles, including the Falaq-1 rocket system, in its attacks against Israel.[13] In response to a similar attack in June, which injured civilians on a soccer field in the Druze town of Hurfeish, Israel targeted military sites deep within Lebanon.[11]

Attack

At 6:18 pm, alarms sounded in Majdal Shams following a barrage to the north.[14] A projectile then hit and exploded at a soccer field in the town, located near a playground. According to initial reports, eleven people were wounded, with five in critical condition and six in serious condition.[14][15] Emergency services, including Magen David Adom (MDA), treated the critically injured, aged between 10 to 20, some of whom were transferred to local clinics. A senior MDA paramedic described the scene as one of destruction with victims lying on the grass.[16][15]

According to residents, the children were playing soccer during the attack and while the warning siren activated, it was only a few seconds before the rocket hit the field leaving no time to seek shelter. [17]

Before the impact on the field was reported, Hezbollah took credit for multiple attacks including one with a Falaq-type rocket on the military headquarters of the Hermon Brigade, which was 3 km from the football pitch.[4][18] A senior Hezbollah official, Mohammad Afif, later said that the group was not responsible for the attack on Majdal Shams.[5][15] The IDF stated that they had performed an assessment and concluded that Hezbollah was responsible for the rocket attack.[19] IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that the type of rocket used was an Iranian-made Falaq-1[20] carrying a 50 kg warhead, which has previously been used by Hezbollah, the only Iranian proxy to possess it[21]

Hezbollah stated the strike was caused by an Israeli Iron Dome projectile which was supposed to counter Hezbollah rocket fire aiming for Israeli military sites.[22] Iranian and Qatari state media claimed there were reports that an Iron Dome interceptor was to blame.[23][24][25] According to US intelligence, there were no doubts that Hezbollah was responsible but it was not certain if Hezbollah intentionally targeted the site or misfired.[17]

Israeli authorities have characterized it as the deadliest attack on their civilians since the 7 October attacks.[26] Israeli Police and Northern District detectives secured the crash site to eliminate any further risk to the public and conducted a search for additional remains.[27]

Colonel Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesman, said the rocket attack was launched by Ali Muhammad Yahya, who is a commander at a rocket launching site in Chebaa.[28][29]

Analysis

Daniel Sobelman from Harvard Kennedy School highlighted that the strike was "the most serious in Israel in nine months of fighting between the country and militants in Lebanon."[11]

According to an analysis by The Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials are attempting to distance themselves from responsibility for the Majdal Shams massacre, despite growing evidence linking Hezbollah to the attack. Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah representatives have issued denials and spread misinformation to avoid backlash, with claims ranging from blaming Israeli anti-rocket interceptors to outright rejecting involvement. These actions are aimed at preventing further conflict and mitigating the negative impact on Hezbollah's image, particularly in light of the group's history of targeting civilians and the potential for unrest among the Druze community in Lebanon and Syria.[3]

Victims

The following are the victims of the attack[30]:

  1. Alma Ayman Fakhr al-Din (11 years old);
  2. Ameer Rabeea Abu Saleh (16 years old);
  3. Hazem Akram Abu Saleh (15 years old);
  4. Fajr Laith Abu Saleh (16 years old);
  5. John Wadeea Ibrahim (13 years old);
  6. Iseel Nasha'at Ayoub (12 years old);
  7. Finis Adham Safadi (11 years old);
  8. Milad Muadad al-Sha'ar (10 years old);
  9. Naji Taher al-Halabi (11 years old);
  10. Nathem Fakher Saeb;
  11. Yazan Nayeif Abu Saleh (12 years old);
  12. Gajafara Ibrahim (11 years old)[31]

Aftermath

A funeral of the deceased a day after the attack
IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, at the soccer field in Majdal Shams, meeting with Druze community leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, local council representatives, and senior IDF officers

Following the attack, Israel's military stated that it had launched strikes against Hezbollah weapon storage and infrastructure in Lebanon, specifically in the areas of Chabriha, Borj Ech Chemali, Beqaa, Kafr Kila, Khiam, Rab El Thalathine, and Tayr Harfa.[32][33] The IDF also said that it struck the launch site of the projectile with artillery.[34]

On 28 July, Lebanon's foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, said that the Lebanese government had requested that the US urge Israel to show restraint, and added that the US had also asked Lebanon to relay a message to Hezbollah to exercise restraint.[35] Hezbollah, reported to be on high alert, preemptively evacuated key sites in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley in anticipation of a possible Israeli response.[36]

A spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that the situation could be resolved without broader conflict if Hezbollah complied with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was intended to end the 2006 Lebanon War and required that they withdraw behind the Litani River. [37]

Over 300,000 shekels were raised on Sunday by 2,065 people for families in Majdal Shams who lost children in a rocket attack.[38]

Reactions

Israeli

  •  Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif following the attack, expressing his "deep horror" at the killing of "children and innocents". He emphasized that Israel would retaliate harshly, stating that Hezbollah would "pay a heavy price for this that it has not paid to this point".[39] Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared that the attack had crossed all red lines and warned of a potential full-scale war with Hezbollah and Lebanon. He stated that while the conflict would come at a significant cost, the goal is to decisively defeat Hezbollah and restore peace, and he has directed the Foreign Ministry to prepare a global campaign to support actions in Lebanon.[19] President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack as a "terrible and shocking disaster". He described the attack as a brutal act targeting children who were simply playing soccer, stating, "They did not return." Herzog urged the international community to not remain silent against Hezbollah's actions, which he linked to Iranian influence, asserting that Israel would "firmly defend its citizens and its sovereignty."[26] Minister of Energy Eli Cohen said that "Lebanon should burn" after the attack.[40]
    •  Druze in Israel: Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, condemned the attack, stating: "We are in great shock from the horrific massacre in the Druze village, an atrocious and murderous terrorist attack that struck innocent children playing soccer. The sight of the children's shattered bodies strewn across the grass is indescribable." He further stated, "a civilized country cannot allow the continuous harm to its citizens and residents."[19] Former MK Ayoob Kara expressed his horror at the massacre, describing Hezbollah as "hateful, blood-thirsty murderers without moral lines, motivated by blind hatred." He called for the IDF to enter Lebanon and Syria to "purify the terrorist areas."[2]

International

  •  Canada: Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the attack and offered condolences to the victims' families and the Druze community. She also worried about an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and demanded that Iran and its proxies avoid further destabilizing the region.[41]
  •  European Union: High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said: "I strongly condemn this bloodbath. We need an independent international investigation into this unacceptable incident. We urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation." He also described "shocking images from the soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams."[42]
  •  Lebanon: The government of Lebanon issued a statement urging "immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts" and condemned attacks on civilians but did not mention Majdal Shams.[43] Lebanese Druze politician Wiam Wahhab said that Druze "blood is not cheap," and called for an independent investigation into the Majdal Shams massacre.[2]
    •  Hezbollah: Hezbollah claimed it carried out nine attacks using rockets and suicide drones against IDF targets including Maaleh Golani in response to Israeli airstrikes but denied Majdal Shams was targeted.[43]
  •  United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the attack, expressed concern about an escalation of the conflict and called on Hezbollah to cease its attacks.[44]
  •  United States: The US condemned the attack and reaffirmed its support for Israel against Hezbollah.[45] It also voiced concerns that it could spark an escalation of the Israel–Hezbollah conflict.[46] Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said: "Every indication is that indeed the rocket was from Hezbollah. We stand by Israel's right to defend its citizens from terrorist attacks."[47]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Israel captured the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day war and later annexed it. Most of the international community consider the territory part of Syria occupied by Israel, though this is disputed by Israel and the United States.

References

  1. ^ "Outrage in the Arab World following Majdal Shams massacre: 'Hezbollah enjoys killing children'". Israel Hayom. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "'Shredded to pieces': Druze community grieves after Hezbollah strike kills 12 children". The Times of Israel. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b Frantzman, Seth J. (28 July 2024). "Lebanon, Hezbollah run from responsibility for Majdal Shams massacre - analysis". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Fabian, Emanuel (27 July 2024). "12 killed, mostly children, dozens hurt as Hezbollah rocket hits Majdal Shams soccer field". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Missile hit in Majdal Shams kills nine, injures at least 34 including children". Ynetnews. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  6. ^ Lewis, Simon. "US blames Hezbollah for Golan Heights attack, says it doesn't want escalation". Reuters.
  7. ^ Gadzo, Mersiha; Varshalomidze, Tamila; Pietromarchi, Virginia. "Hezbollah's denial of responsibility for rocket attack opens door for de-escalation". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 28 July 2024. Omar Baddar, a Middle East political analyst, says he believes the rocket attack on the Golan Heights was "almost certainly an accident", regardless of who was responsible for it.
  8. ^ Sewell, Abby (3 November 2023). "Lebanon's militant Hezbollah leader threatens escalation with Israel as its war with Hamas rages on". Associated Press. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  9. ^ Levine, Heidi; Pannett, Rachel; Masih, Niha; Fahim, Kareem (28 July 2024). "IDF strikes deep in Lebanon after rocket attack, stoking fear of wider war". The Washington Post. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Israel-Hezbollah: Mapping the scale of damage of cross-border attacks". BBC. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Keller-Lynn, Carrie (27 July 2024). "Deadly Rocket Strike on Soccer Field Raises Risk of Escalation with Hezbollah". The Wall Street Journal.
  12. ^ At least 12 killed in rocket attack in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights Al Jazeera 27 July 2024
  13. ^ Ari, Lior Ben (28 January 2024). "'Falaq-1', ATGM: Hezbollah uses new guided anti-tank weaponry, missiles on northern border". Ynetnews. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  14. ^ a b "Eleven wounded in rocket fire in Majdal Shams area following barrage to north, MDA reports". The Jerusalem Post. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  15. ^ a b c Izso, Lauren; Nicholls, Catherine (27 July 2024). "At least 11 people injured after projectiles reportedly fired from Lebanon into Israel". CNN. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  16. ^ "9 children and teenagers dead from a direct hit on football field in northern Israel". Israel Hayom. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  17. ^ a b Goldenberg, Tia; Mroue, Bassem (27 July 2024). "Strike on Israeli Golan Heights kills 11 and threatens to spark a wider war. Hezbollah denies a role". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Golan Heights: Children dead in attack on football pitch in Israeli-occupied territory". BBC News. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  19. ^ a b c Zitun, Yoav; Halabi, Einav (27 July 2024). "Hezbollah rocket kills 10 children, injures at least 24 in Majdal Shams". Ynetnews. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  20. ^ Fabian, Emmanuel (27 July 2024). "IDF spokesman: Majdal Shams death toll risen to 12, Hezbollah used Iranian-made rocket". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  21. ^ Zitun, Yoav; Kraus, Yair (28 July 2024). "IDF strikes Lebanon| Hezbollah fires Iranian Falaq-1 missile". Ynetnews. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  22. ^ Michaelson, Ruth (28 July 2024). "Israel strikes Lebanon as diplomats try to prevent regional war". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  23. ^ "Hezbollah denies Israeli allegations of targeting Majdal Sham - Mehr News Agency". en.mehrnews.com.
  24. ^ "Hezbollah denies involvement in Israeli-occupied Golan attack - IRNA English". en.irna.ir.
  25. ^ "Pro-Iranian, Qatari outlets fail in attempts to blame Israel for Hezbollah massacre". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  26. ^ a b Kottasová, Ivana; Kourdi, Eyad; Izso, Lauren; Salman, Abeer; Nicholls, Catherine; Raine, Andrew (27 July 2024). "At least 10 dead including children as Israel blames Hezbollah for rocket attack in Golan Heights". CNN. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  27. ^ "Nine children killed in rocket fire in Majdal Shams, Hezbollah denies responsibility". The Jerusalem Post. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  28. ^ "IDF's Arabic spokesman names Hezbollah commander responsible for Majdal Shams attack". The Times of Israel. 28 July 2024.
  29. ^ "Israel hits Hezbollah targets after football pitch strike kills 12 young people". BBC News.
  30. ^ Sha'alab, Hassan; Halabi, Einav (28 July 2024). "The names and faces of the children slain in Hezbollah attack on Majdal Shams" – via www.ynetnews.com.
  31. ^ "Gajafara Ibrahim, 11, confirmed killed in Majdal Shams attack". Jerusalem Post. 28 July 2024.
  32. ^ Rowlands, Lyndal; Rasheed, Zaheena (28 July 2024). "Israel military says it attacked Hezbollah sites overnight". Al Jazeera.
  33. ^ Pannett, Rachel (28 July 2024). "IDF announces strikes deep in Lebanon after Golan Heights attack". Washington Post.
  34. ^ "IDF artillery fires at location from which rocket was launched at Majdal Shams - report". The Jerusalem Post. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  35. ^ "Lebanon says it asked US to urge restraint from Israel after Golan deaths". Al-Arabiya News. 28 July 2024.
  36. ^ "Hezbollah on High Alert, Lebanon Asks US to Urge Restraint from Israel". Asharq Al-Awsat. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  37. ^ "Nach Raketenangriff mit 12 toten Kindern und Jugendlichen: Israel greift Hisbollah an – Sorge vor größerem Krieg wächst". Der Tagesspiegel Online (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  38. ^ More than NIS 300,000 donated to bereaved Majdal Shams families
  39. ^ Kirsh, Elana (27 July 2024). "'Hezbollah will pay a heavy price,' PM tells Druze leader after rocket's carnage in Golan town". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  40. ^ "'Lebanon should burn,' Israeli energy minister says". Al Jazeera. 27 July 2024.
  41. ^ "International leaders condemn 'abhorrent' missile attack on Israeli Druze village". The Jerusalem Post. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  42. ^ "DC official fears all-out war as US condemns 'horrific' rocket attack on Majdal Shams". The Times of Israel. 28 July 2024.
  43. ^ a b "Rocket attack on town in Israeli-controlled Golan Heights kills 10, rescue official says". Associated Press. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  44. ^ "UK fears escalation after deadly attack on Golan Heights". Al Arabiya. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  45. ^ "US condemns 'horrific' missile attack on Druze village in Israel". The Jerusalem Post. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  46. ^ "Golan Heights attack raises concerns of war between Israel and Hezbollah". Axios. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  47. ^ "US's Blinken says 'every indication' Golan rocket fired by Hezbollah". Arab News. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
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