In a statement issued by his spokesman, the high representative called for maximum restraint amid a dramatic increase in hostilities in the Middle East as a result of the conflict in Gaza.

The aggression reported on Saturday left at least 12 children, adolescents and young people dead and a dozen wounded in the deadliest incident since the escalation of the exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon across the common border.

Guterres reiterated his constant call to all concerned to avoid a further conflagration.

“Civilians, and in particular children, must not continue to bear the burden of the horrific violence that ravages the region,” he said.

The UN chief demanded an immediate halt to the exchange of fire across the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, in accordance with international law.

“The parties must urgently recommit to fully implementing Security Council resolution 1701 and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities,” he stressed.

According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the deadly attack coincides with “the continuous and daily crimes perpetrated by Israel and its shameless attempts to create pretexts to widen the circle of its aggression.”

A statement released by Damascus held Tel Aviv fully responsible for this dangerous escalation of violence in the region.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said that Israel committed an atrocious crime the day before in Majdal Shams, and then blamed the Lebanese National Resistance.

However, it added, the people of the Golan will not be fooled by the lies of the occupier.

The Lebanese Resistance has vehemently denied responsibility for the attack and claimed it had nothing to do with the incident, contrary to Israeli claims on the matter.

Reports indicate that the explosion may have been caused by an anti-aircraft missile from the Iron Dome –Israel’s anti-missile shield– that strayed off course and hit the area.

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