Residents of Majdal Shams held a funeral ceremony on Saturday for the victims of an Israeli attack that targeted a football field in the town.
The Israeli Iron Dome interceptor missile struck the playground on Saturday, killing at least 12 civilians, including children, and wounding at least a dozen others.
In response, Israel accused Hezbollah of launching an “Iranian rocket” at the town, a claim the Lebanese group has denied.
The Israeli Channel 13 reported that members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party were attacked by residents during the funeral. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was also met with rejection and protests, with residents accusing him of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
“Get out of here. We don’t want you here, you killer,” residents shouted at Smotrich, expressing anger over the incident.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, stating, “Israel will not let this murderous attack go unanswered and Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for it, a price it has not paid before,” according to a statement from his office.
Hezbollah denied involvement, issuing a statement that said; “The Islamic Resistance has no connection to this incident.” The group categorically denied allegations reported by Israeli and other media sources.
Later, Axios cited an American official who reported that Hezbollah officials had informed the UN that the incident was caused by an Israeli interceptor missile hitting the playground in Majdal Shams.
The attack has further heightened tensions in the region, with residents of Majdal Shams, who have largely rejected Israeli nationality since the occupation of the Golan Heights in 1967, expressing their outrage and grief. (ILKHA)