What it is about

An 11-year-old boy, Gjafara Ibrahim, was tragically confirmed dead as a result of a Hezbollah attack on the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Upper Galilee.

Why it matters

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing threats faced by Israeli civilians, including children, due to persistent terrorist attacks from Hezbollah. The Israeli rescue forces’ quick response highlights Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens even under hostile conditions.

Details

Gjafara Ibrahim, missing for over 30 hours, was identified as the innocent victim of the attack, bringing the toll among children to twelve. The devastating event occurred at a soccer field in Majdal Shams where the boy was present.

Heartbreaking Response

The community of Majdal Shams expressed their grief with, “In tearful eyes, we accept God’s decree of the bitter news that Gjafara Ibrahim has been killed.”

Witness Account

Joan Willy, 14, a local teen who witnessed the attack, recounted the horrifying scene: “I can’t believe it,” he stated with disbelief. Willy was present at the soccer field when the missile struck. He described the chaos and confusion following the strike, “Everyone around me was screaming in pain.” Despite being injured by shrapnel, Willy attended his friend’s funeral, showing the strength and resilience of Israel’s youth in face of terror.

Israeli Resilience

The swift reaction of Israeli rescue forces to the Hezbollah missile attack shows their dedication to immediate aid and crisis management. This incident highlights both the vulnerability and the resilience of all Israeli communities, including the Druze.

This story was first published on jpost.com.