A tragic attack in the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights left 12 children and young people dead after a projectile hit a football pitch. Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack, prompting an air raid in Beirut that killed at least three people. Hezbollah confirmed the death of their commander, Fuad Shukr, who was accused of being responsible for the initial attack. Majdal Shams is a Druze town, with the Druze being an ethnoreligious minority found in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and the Golan Heights.
The Druze faith, originating from Ismaili Shia Islam, has evolved to include aspects of other religions and ancient philosophies. Many Druze communities, including those in the Golan Heights, do not hold Israeli citizenship. While some Druze in Israel do hold citizenship and serve in the military, they were among the critics of the 2018 nation-state law.
The attack in Majdal Shams has left the community in mourning. The Forum of Druze and Circassian Authorities requested that no government representatives visit during the mourning period. A delegation of Israeli ministers attempted to attend the funerals, causing further anger among residents. Many Druze feel caught in the middle of escalating tensions and do not want to be used as pawns in the conflict. The Druze community, with a long history in the region, have played important roles in the politics and culture of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.
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