Golan Heights, July 27 — A rocket attack on a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including children. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left 13 others injured. Israel has accused Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance group, of being behind the attack, a claim that Hezbollah has denied.

According to Reuters, the attack prompted a stern warning from Tel Aviv, with officials stating that Hezbollah would "pay an extreme price" for the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a phone call with the Druze community, emphasized that Hezbollah would face severe repercussions.

The Golan Heights, a region captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war, remains internationally unrecognized as Israeli territory. The region has been a focal point of ongoing conflict.

In a statement, Israel’s ambulance service Magen David Adom confirmed the casualties and injuries, describing the scene as grim. Idan Avshalom, a doctor at the service, reported that the attack occurred while many children and teenagers were on the field. Videos circulating on social media showed the immediate aftermath, with smoke billowing and air raid sirens blaring.

Hezbollah, however, has denied any involvement in the attack. In a statement, the group called Israel's accusations "completely false" and insisted they had no connection to the rocket strike. Hezbollah has consistently denied responsibility for attacks on Tel Aviv since the recent escalation in Gaza.

The recent violence follows a history of conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Since Israel’s intensified offensive on Gaza in October last year, hostilities with Hezbollah have increased. Hezbollah has ramped up rocket attacks on Israeli territory, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

The attack on the soccer field is believed to be a response to the killing of four Hezbollah members by Israeli forces in Lebanon. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire.