Israel vows to give a strong reply to Hezbollah following the attack that left 12 people dead

Concerns have increased in the Middle East about a potential outburst of violence after Israeli authorities said a rocket from Lebanon hit a football field at the Israel-controlled Golan Heights. The attack killed 12 children and teenagers in what the Israeli army said was the deadliest attack on civilians since October 7th. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has Iran's backing, has denied responsibility for the attack. Saturday's attack comes at a significant time, as Israel and Hamas are negotiating a ceasefire proposal to end the nearly 10-month war in Gaza and free approximately 110 people still being held hostage there.

Thousands of people took part in major ceremonies Sunday for 12 children and teenagers killed by a rocket attack at the Israel-controlled Golan Heights.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah denied responsibility for the attack on the village of Majdal Shams. Israel praised the attack as the deadliest since Hamas' attack on October 7th that sparked the war in Gaza.

All we have to do is respond with full strength, release the hostages and stop this war. Enough with the sacrifice of our children's blood”, said Hisham, resident of the village where the Saturday attack was carried out.

Today, the Israeli army announced that during the night, it carried out air strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

At least 30 rockets were later fired from Lebanon across the border, the Israeli army said.

Israeli authorities have pledged that the Lebanese militant group, which has Iran's support, will pay a heavy price following Saturday's attack on the Golan Heights. Victims of the attack were part of the Drusa community, a religious sect that began as a branch of Shii Islam but are loyal to the Israeli State.

Israel conquered the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in 1981.

All victims of Saturday's attack were young people aged 10 to 20. Another 20 were injured, according to the Israeli army.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that he was saddened by the loss of lives and said reaching a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza war could help calm the situation on Israel's border with Lebanon.

We are holding talks with the Israeli government and I want to highlight the right to protect its citizens and our determination to make sure they are able to do so. But we also do not want to see the escalation of conflict. This has been one of our goals since the first day, from October 7th to October 7th and next,”, Secretary Blinken said.

However, a stronger Israeli response is expected after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah's return from his visit to the United States and a meeting of the security cabinet, expected to be held in the evening hours.

A stronger answer than that at night was also warned Sunday by the Israeli defence minister.

This is a terrible tragedy, innocent boys and girls were killed. Hezbollah is responsible and will pay a” price, said Minister Gallant.

The Lebanese government has asked the United States to call for restraint from Israel, Reuters news agency reported, citing Lebanon's Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib.

He also announced that Washington had asked the Lebanon government to convey a message Hezbollah to also show restraint.

Iran warned Israel on Sunday against what it called a new adventure in Lebanon, in a statement issued by Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Canaan.

During a ceremony in support of Iranian President-elect Massoud Peszkian, Iran's supreme leader, Ajothallah Ali Khamenei reiterated the Islamic republic's stance on Israel.

Israel's “Regime is not a state, it's a criminal gang, it's a gang of killers and terrorists”, Mr. Khamenei said.

Hezbollah is the most powerful group by a network of groups backed by Iran throughout the Middle East. The Lebanese group began opening a second front against Israel immediately following Hamas' terrorist attack on 7 October.

Other groups that have Iran's support are located in Iraq and Houth in Yemen. All have carried out attacks on Israel. / VOA