TEL AVIV: Tensions in the Middle East have escalated significantly following a fresh wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
In a large-scale overnight assault from Friday midnight into early Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of missiles targeting Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Among the arsenal were several ballistic missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities.
Following the barrage, air raid sirens rang across major Israeli cities, prompting authorities to instruct civilians to seek shelter. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), over 100 missiles were launched, most of which they claim were intercepted or landed off target. However, multiple Israeli news outlets, including The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post, reported substantial damage from some of the Iranian strikes.
The U.S. military reportedly assisted Israeli defense systems in intercepting several of the incoming missiles, Reuters noted. Israel’s Haaretz reported that Iran has now fired more than 150 missiles in total since the attacks began.
Heavy damage in Tel Aviv
In central Tel Aviv, a high-rise building suffered significant structural damage on its lower floors due to a direct missile hit. In the nearby Ramat Gan area, at least nine buildings were reportedly completely destroyed, according to Haaretz Online.
Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, though it remains unclear whether these were caused by Iranian missiles or Israeli defense systems intercepting them, Reuters added.
Casualties and injuries reported
At Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, seven people injured in the attacks are being treated, including one person in critical condition. The rest have sustained minor injuries.
According to Israel’s emergency medical services, at least 34 people were injured in the Tel Aviv region alone during the night. Police have confirmed that one woman has died from injuries sustained in the attacks.
In a separate incident, Hebrew media reports say that two individuals were trapped in a damaged building in Israel’s central region. Channel 12 reported that 14 people were injured in that specific attack, including a 60-year-old woman in serious condition who is being treated at Wolfson Medical Center.
Public told not to share damage locations online
The IDF has requested citizens not to post photos or videos of missile damage on social media, warning that such information could help adversaries adjust their attack strategies. “The enemy uses such visuals to improve their targeting. Be responsible—do not share your location online,” the IDF said.
Meanwhile, Israeli fire and rescue teams have been deployed to Taibeh village, which also sustained damage from rocket strikes. While no casualties have been confirmed there so far, authorities are still assessing the condition of individuals trapped inside damaged buildings.
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