New Delhi: Israel attacked Hezbollah targets and threatened further retailiation for a rocket strike. The Israeli military reported that a rocket fired from Lebanon struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams, a Druze town situated about 12 kilometers south of the Lebanese border and near the Syrian frontier. The attack resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers, marking the deadliest assault on civilians since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7. Additionally, 20 others were wounded, and one 11-year-old is still missing. The local community has been left in shock, with residents expressing deep anguish over the tragedy. “I feel darkness inside and out. Nothing like this happened here,” said Anan Abu Saleh, a resident of Majdal Shams. The incident has prompted a large outpouring of grief, with thousands gathering to mourn the victims.International diplomatic efforts underwayIn response to the escalating situation, the White House National Security Council has initiated talks with Israeli and Lebanese officials, aiming to craft a diplomatic solution to halt the violence along the Israel-Lebanon border. The Council emphasized its commitment to ending all attacks in the region, reflecting a broader international concern about the potential for further conflict. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has conducted strikes on several targets within Lebanon overnight, continuing a pattern of cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. Despite these actions, Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the rocket attack, which has raised fears of a wider regional conflict. As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties from the retaliatory strikes.Hezbollah will pay heavy price for this attack The rocket attack comes at a critical juncture as Israel and Hamas are engaged in negotiations for a cease-fire to conclude the nearly 10-month war in Gaza. The intensity of the recent assault and the involvement of civilian casualties could lead Israel to adopt a more aggressive stance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cut short his visit to the U.S., has indicated that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack.” The situation remains tense, with heightened risk of a broader conflict involving Hezbollah and potentially other regional actors. The international community continues to watch closely as the situation unfolds, with significant implications for regional stability and security.
