In a press statement from Majdal Shams, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported the deaths of 12 Israeli teenagers due to a Falak-1 missile of Iranian origin carrying 50 kilograms of explosives. The missile detonated on a soccer field in Majdal Shams, killing the teenagers.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi confirmed that the missile, equipped with a 53-kilogram warhead, was identified as a Hezbollah Falak missile.
On July 27, at 6:18 PM, a rocket from southern Lebanon struck the Druze town of Majdal Shams on the northern Golan Heights, hitting a soccer field during a match.
The attack injured 11 people. Five are in critical condition, three are moderately injured, and four are lightly injured. An additional six people are in shock. All victims are aged 10 to 20 years. This information is being updated.
Residents of Majdal Shams reported hearing the rocket warning sirens, but most stadium attendees could not reach shelters in time. According to the IDF, the air defense system malfunctioned, which will be investigated.
A resident told Kan-11 that the children's funerals took place overnight due to the condition of the bodies, making it impossible to delay the services.
IDF assessments and intelligence suggest that Hezbollah was behind the shelling. The launch was from an area north of Shebaa. The IDF stated the shelling from southern Lebanon was a retaliation for the elimination of a Hezbollah Radwan unit operative near Kafarkila.
Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif told Reuters that the organization denies responsibility for the Majdal Shams attack. Hezbollah-related media echoed this, stating the group was not involved. In a statement to UNIFIL, Hezbollah claimed that the civilian casualties were due to an Israeli interceptor missile and that they bear no responsibility.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi evaluated the situation with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Northern Command representatives.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received detailed information about the Majdal Shams tragedy and consulted with his military secretary Roman Gofman.
Netanyahu, who is currently visiting the United States, will hold a situation assessment meeting with all security system leaders. Efforts are being made to bring the Israeli delegation back to Israel earlier.
IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced at a briefing that the home front instructions have not been changed.
The Lebanese government issued a statement condemning "all acts of violence against civilians," emphasizing that "attacks on civilians are a gross violation of international law and contradict humanitarian principles." The Lebanese government called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts."
