Iranian missiles strike Israel, igniting fires
Iranian ballistic missiles struck multiple locations across Israel on Sunday night, sparking fires and causing significant damage in a fresh wave of retaliatory attacks, according to Israeli media reports.
The strikes come in response to Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, marking a sharp escalation in the long-standing conflict between the two nations.
Missiles hit Haifa, Tel Aviv, and beyond
Israeli Army Radio reported that a missile struck Haifa, while Yedioth Ahronoth confirmed a direct hit on a building in northern Israel.
In Tel Aviv, a missile impacted a building in the eastern part of the city, causing structural damage.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority noted that four people were injured in the Lachish area, with two buildings damaged in Haifa.
Emergency services are responding to fires and structural damage across affected areas, with rescue operations ongoing.
Israel vows to intensify operations
Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir issued a statement vowing to ramp up military operations against Iran, describing the current campaign as a “historic and unprecedented operation” aimed at neutralizing an “existential threat.” Zamir emphasized, “We will continue to intensify our operations and, in doing so, strengthen our security for years to come. We knew there would be a price, and it underscores why we acted now, before it became too late.”
Iran’s stark warning to israelis
Iran’s armed forces issued a chilling warning to Israeli civilians, urging them to evacuate “vital areas” for their safety.
In a video broadcast on state television, a spokesperson declared, “We have a data bank of vital and critical areas in occupied territories and call upon you not to let the brutal regime use you as human shields. Do not stay or travel near these critical areas.”
The statement warned that staying in shelters would not guarantee safety, signalling Iran’s intent to escalate its attacks.
Heavy casualties in Iran
Iran’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes on Friday and Saturday killed at least 128 people, including 40 women and several children, with approximately 900 others injured, according to the Etemaad Daily.
The attacks targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, military sites, and residential areas, prompting Iran’s retaliatory missile barrages. Iranian media described the Israeli strikes as the most severe since the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s.
IDF responds
The Israeli military stated that its air force is actively working to “intercept and strike wherever necessary” to counter the Iranian missile attacks.
In a post on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) noted, “The defence is not airtight, and therefore, it is imperative to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command.” Israel’s Iron Dome and other defence systems have intercepted many missiles, though some have evaded interception, causing casualties and damage.
