CAIRO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Several Middle Eastern countries issued warnings on Sunday about a potentially dangerous escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, after a rocket strike on Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights left at least 12 people dead.
The Egyptian foreign ministry cautioned against opening a new front of war in Lebanon following the Majdal Shams attack, emphasizing the risk of a broader regional conflict. It underscored the importance of supporting Lebanon, its people, and institutions to prevent further conflict.
Sufyan Qudah, Jordan's foreign ministry spokesperson, stated that ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza could lead to increased tension and escalation, posing a threat to regional stability. He called for international action to halt the aggression immediately, mitigate humanitarian suffering, protect Palestinians, and safeguard regional security.
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani warned Israel against any new "adventurism" against Lebanon on the "pretext" of the rocket attack.
He said in a statement that Israel sought to divert global public opinion and attention from its "widespread crimes" against Palestinians by resorting to a "fabricated scenario."
Israel attributed the rocket attack in Majdal Shams to Hezbollah and vowed retaliation against the Lebanese military group. Hezbollah, however, denied involvement in the incident.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib called for an international investigation, suggesting a meeting under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon to examine the attack.
Meanwhile, military sources in Lebanon reported on Sunday that Israeli airstrikes on six towns and villages overnight, destroying six houses and damaging 30 others.
The sources, who preferred anonymity, also noted an increase in Israeli drone activity in eastern and southern Lebanon, possibly linked to threats against Hezbollah following the rocket attack. ■
