Rocket Attack in Golan Heights Kills 12 Children, Escalating Tensions in the Region

On July 28, a rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers, prompting Israel's security cabinet to authorize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to determine the response. The attack, which occurred in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, has been attributed to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, although the group has denied responsibility. This incident marks the deadliest attack on civilians in the region since the onset of the ongoing conflict following Hamas' assault on October 7. In the aftermath of the attack, U.S. officials expressed their unwavering support for Israel's security, with Vice President Kamala Harris emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution. Thousands gathered for funerals in Majdal Shams, a territory captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war. The Israeli military has stated that the rocket was an Iranian-made missile, further implicating Hezbollah, which has been engaged in ongoing skirmishes with Israeli forces along the border. The situation remains tense, with fears of a broader regional conflict looming. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz indicated that the attack crossed a significant threshold, suggesting that Israel may target high-ranking Hezbollah commanders in retaliation. Meanwhile, Lebanon's foreign minister has called on the U.S. to urge restraint from Israel, as both sides continue to exchange fire, raising concerns about a potential escalation into all-out war involving other regional powers.