Tensions are escalating following a missile attack on the village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children. Iran has issued a warning to Israel against any further military actions, while Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry, through a statement on the social media platform X yesterday, July 28, cautioned Israel against any “adventure” in response to the tragic incident. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani emphasized the positions of Hezbollah and senior Lebanese officials, who have denied any link to the missile attack.
In contrast, the Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned what it referred to as “Saturday’s massacre,” laying the blame squarely on Hezbollah. The ministry labeled the attack as a “crossing of all red lines,” highlighting that the victims were children playing football. The Israeli government vowed to respond in self-defense and urged for the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701, which aims to disarm Hezbollah.
Hezbollah continues to deny any responsibility for the attack. The group suggested that the incident might have involved a malfunctioning Israeli missile system. The statement reiterated that Hezbollah had no involvement claiming allegations as false.
The Israeli army has identified Hezbollah as the perpetrator, alleging the missile was launched from an area north of the village of Shebaa in southern Lebanon. Army spokesman Avichay Adraee named Hezbollah field commander Ali Muhammad Yahya as responsible for directing the missile, a “Falaq 1,” which is reportedly not possessed by any other terrorist organization in Lebanon.
Following the attack, heightened alertness was observed. Reuters reported that Hezbollah evacuated key sites in southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley in anticipation of potential Israeli retaliation. Similarly, pro-Iranian groups in Syria repositioned their forces to evade possible airstrikes.
The international community has reacted with concern. UN Special Coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, alongside the Commander of the UN peacekeeping force, General Aroldo Lázaro, called for “maximum restraint” to prevent the situation from escalating further, condemning the killing of civilians while emphasizing the need for protection at all times.
The UN Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Office of the UN Special Coordinator are actively engaging with both Lebanese and Israeli authorities to contain the situation. Diplomatic efforts are also underway, with US and Middle Eastern diplomats striving to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader war.
EU foreign policy official Josep Borrell has called for an international investigation into the incident and urged all parties to exercise restraint. Multiple countries, including France, Norway, and Sweden, have advised their nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon and Israel, with some even urging immediate departure.
