Rocket kills 12 in Israel

Fears of a wider conflict escalated after a rocket strike, attributed to Hezbollah, killed 12 children and teenagers playing soccer in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as the deadliest since the onset of the Gaza war and vowed that Hezbollah would 'pay a heavy price' for this aggression. In response, the Israeli military targeted Hezbollah positions deep in Lebanon, intensifying tensions along the border. Despite Hezbollah's denial of responsibility, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that there was evidence linking the group to the rocket fire, while urging for de-escalation. Both Western powers and regional leaders expressed concern that the incident could lead to a broader regional conflict. Funeral ceremonies took place in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, reflecting the community's grief over the tragic loss of young lives.