An early-morning Israeli assault on the Syrian town of Beit Jinn killed at least 13 people, including several children, according to residents, civil defense officials and relatives of the victims. Israel said its troops came under fire during an “exchange of fire” and arrested three alleged members of Jamaa Islamiya, accusing them of planning attacks on Israel, but made no mention of civilian deaths.
Residents described heavy gunfire, shelling and air support after locals resisted house-to-house raids, while Syria’s Foreign Ministry called the strike a “full-fledged war crime.” Families recounted how children and relatives were killed inside their homes, with ambulances blocked for hours as Israeli aircraft “targeted everything that moves.” Quotes remain intact.