On the evening of July 27, a devastating explosion occurred on a playing field in Majdal Shams, a town in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The attack resulted in the death of 12 children and young people from the Druze minority community. This incident marks the deadliest occurrence in or around Israel’s border with Lebanon since hostilities with Hezbollah intensified in October.
Responsibility and Reactions
Israel attributes the attack to the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, using an Iranian-made rocket fired from a short distance in Lebanon. Both Israel and the United States have blamed Hezbollah, though the group has denied involvement. The strike, particularly tragic due to the young victims, has incited outrage and shock both in Israel and globally.
Background on Hezbollah
- Militant and Political Movement: Hezbollah is a prominent Shia militant and political group based in Lebanon. Its military wing is highly armed, with up to 200,000 missiles, rockets, and attack drones, and is distinct from the Lebanese army. The group is also influential in Lebanese politics.
- Affiliations and Support: Hezbollah follows Shia Islam and receives substantial support from Iran, the leading Shia power in the region. It is considered a legitimate resistance movement by its supporters, who view Israel as an occupying force. Hezbollah is banned as a terrorist organization by Western nations, Israel, and several Arab states.
Geopolitical Context
- The Golan Heights: This rocky plateau, captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war, was annexed by Israel in 1981, a move not widely recognized internationally. The Trump administration recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019, contrary to previous US policy. Syria continues to claim the territory and seeks its return, while Israel views it as crucial for its defense.
- Druze Community: The Druze are an Arabic-speaking ethnic and religious group with a presence in Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Syria. On the Golan Heights, many Druze have maintained their allegiance to Syria despite Israeli citizenship offers. About 20% of the 21,000 Druze there have Israeli citizenship, while others retain Syrian citizenship with Israeli residency status.
Recent Hostilities
- Hezbollah’s Actions: Following an attack by Hamas on October 7, Hezbollah targeted Israeli sites, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. Since then, there have been regular exchanges of fire between the two sides, with Hezbollah occasionally targeting the Golan Heights.
- Hamas and Hezbollah Alliance: Both Hamas (a Sunni group) and Hezbollah (a Shia group) are backed by Iran and form part of what is known as the “axis of resistance,” which opposes Israel and its ally, the US. Hezbollah has not engaged directly in the Gaza conflict but has indicated it will cease attacks if a ceasefire is reached.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the date of the deadly attack in the Golan Heights?
- A) July 27
- B) October 7
- C) October 27
- D) July 7
- Which group does Israel accuse of carrying out the attack in Majdal Shams?
- A) Hamas
- B) Hezbollah
- C) Al-Qaeda
- D) ISIS
- What type of weapon is Israel said to have been used in the attack?
- A) Homemade bomb
- B) Iranian-made rocket
- C) Artillery shell
- D) Cluster bomb
- How many Druze children and young people were killed in the attack?
- A) 10
- B) 12
- C) 15
- D) 20
- What was the international reaction to the attack in Majdal Shams?
- A) General indifference
- B) Outrage and shock
- C) Celebration
- D) Support for Hezbollah