World
Tragic Rocket Strike in Majdal Shams Soccer Field Claims Lives of Children
A tragic rocket strike in the soccer field of Majdal Shams has resulted in the heartbreaking loss of children’s lives. This devastating event highlights the ongoing conflict and its impact on innocent lives, sparking outrage and sorrow across communities.
Tragic Incident on the Soccer Field in Majdal Shams
The peaceful atmosphere of Majdal Shams, a charming Druse Arab village nestled in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, was shattered when a rocket struck the edge of a small soccer field. This field, surrounded by a chain-link fence, is often a gathering place for local children eager to play or simply watch their friends and neighbors enjoy the game.
On a fateful Sunday, the aftermath of a deadly rocket strike, launched from Lebanon, left a small crater near the center of the field, just a few paces from the goals. The scorched earth was marked by charred grass, while a nearby concrete bomb shelter, designed to protect the community, showed signs of having been hit, bearing pockmarks from shrapnel and blood stains at its entrance.
According to local residents, the siren warning of incoming rocket fire pierced the air at approximately 6:18 p.m. on Saturday evening. However, the strike occurred mere seconds later, leaving little to no time for anyone to seek shelter.
Jwan Willy, a 14-year-old boy, was positioned by one of the goal posts, watching a training session unfold. Initially contemplating a dash to the bomb shelter, he hesitated, accustomed as he was to the frequent sirens that had become a part of life during escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. Ultimately, he remained rooted in place.
Tragically, the blast claimed the lives of twelve children, a heartbreaking mix of Druse Arab boys and girls aged between 10 and 16. Dozens more sustained injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment. In the wake of the attack, Israel attributed the rocket fire to Hezbollah, a claim the group vehemently denied. In response, Israeli forces targeted locations in Lebanon the following day, marking what was perceived as a measured initial reaction. The Israeli military reported that the type of rocket used in the assault was Iranian-made, carrying an explosive weight exceeding 50 kilograms. They emphasized that Hezbollah was the only entity in Lebanon with access to such advanced munitions.