BEIRUT/JERUSALEM – Three children and their grandmother were killed in south Lebanon on Sunday in an Israeli strike on a car, according to Lebanese authorities. The Israeli army reported that an Israeli citizen was killed in a Hezbollah attack from Lebanon in northern Israel.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese group, claimed responsibility for firing a barrage of grad rockets at the town of Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel as a response to the Israeli strike. This marks the first time Hezbollah has declared using this particular weapon during the four weeks of clashes with Israeli forces, highlighting the potential risks of escalation.

Hezbollah stated that it will not tolerate attacks on civilians and promised a strong and firm response. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati referred to the incident as a “heinous crime” and confirmed that Lebanon would file a complaint with the United Nations regarding the killing of civilians, including children.

Video footage from al-Mayadeen TV showed emergency teams working at the scene where the vehicle was burnt. The Lebanese security forces’ report stated that the children and their grandmother were killed when Israel targeted the car they were traveling in between the villages of Aynata and Aitaroun. The mother of the children was also wounded in the attack.

The violence between Israel and Hezbollah has been escalating along the border since the Hamas-Israel conflict began on October 7. The situation marks the most severe violence across the border since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Additionally, the Israeli military reported intercepting a drone flying towards Israel from Lebanon and stated that an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon hit the Yiftah area of northern Israel. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli positions at the border using guided missiles and other weapons.

Overall, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions and violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging attacks and risking further escalation.