Unexploded Ordnance Causes Tragedy Near Lebanon Border

A cluster munition exploded near the Ramyim ridge in northern Israel, injuring approximately 20 students and teachers. The incident occurred near the Phar Observatory, about 50 to 100 meters from the Lebanese border. Military officials believe the munition was a Hezbollah projectile that failed to detonate during recent conflict and was discovered due to the area's dense vegetation. Initial reports suggest a high school student picked up the unexploded ordnance and placed it in his bag, leading to the explosion. Tamir Duadi, who arrived first at the scene, described evacuating the injured students alongside others. The group was hiking along the Palmach and Phar Observatory trails, split into different sections. This incident is not the first of its kind; according to the Beterem organization, between 2016 and 2026, 110 children were injured in incidents involving unexploded ordnance, with 13 cases involving mines, explosives, and unexploded shells, three of which were fatal.