Hezbollah Rocket Attack in Israel's Majdal Shams Leaves 12 Dead, Dozens Injured

A rocket attack launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah has devastated the Israeli-occupied town of Majdal Shams, resulting in the deaths of 12 people, including children and teenagers aged between 10 and 20. The rocket struck a soccer field near a playground on Saturday evening, leaving behind a scene of destruction and chaos.

The impact of the rocket not only claimed 12 lives but also injured at least 19 individuals to varying degrees. Six people were seriously injured, three sustained moderate injuries, and ten others suffered minor injuries, including some who experienced anxiety attacks. Emergency responders from Magen David Adom (MDA) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) quickly transported the wounded to hospitals using ambulances and helicopters.

The MDA, Israel's national emergency medical service, responded swiftly to the crisis. Senior medic Idan Avshalom described the harrowing scene, stating, "We arrived at the soccer field and saw destruction and items on fire. Victims were lying on the grass, and the scenes were difficult. We immediately began triaging the injured. Some of the injured were taken to local clinics, and our teams were directed to those clinics as well."

In the wake of the attack, the MDA provided about 100 doses and blood components to hospitals and issued a public appeal for blood donations. This call for help underscores the dire need for medical supplies in the aftermath of such a tragic event.

According to IDF intelligence and operational systems, the rocket was launched from an area north of the village of Chebaa in southern Lebanon, a known Hezbollah stronghold. This incident has prompted a high-level response from Israeli military and emergency services. Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of the General Staff, along with other senior military officials, are conducting a situational assessment of the incident. Major-General Ori Gordin, Northern Command's Commanding Officer, has also visited Majdal Shams to oversee the response efforts.

Following the attack, sirens blared across Majdal Shams and the Northern Galilee region at 6:18 pm, alerting residents to the danger. The Israel Police have reported multiple scenes of shrapnel impact in the north of the Golan Heights, highlighting the widespread nature of the attack.

This tragic event has not only taken lives and caused injuries but also left a community in shock and mourning. As the investigation continues and the situation develops, the resilience and response of emergency services and the military will be crucial in addressing the aftermath and preventing further incidents.