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In a dramatic escalation, Iran has launched approximately 400 rockets at Israel, leading to multiple impacts across Tel Aviv and other areas, including the settlements of Jericho and Efrat near Bethlehem. Social media has been flooded with unverified footage of the missile strikes, while Israeli airspace has been closed off amid heavy missile barrages. Reports are still emerging, but the Jerusalem Post has confirmed the scale of the attack as tensions in the region reach new heights.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the missile barrage was in direct response to the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah chief Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, who were allegedly killed by Israeli forces. Iran claims the missile strike is retaliation for what it calls "terror attacks" on its allies and has vowed that any Israeli response will be met with even more devastating counterattacks.
The timing of the attack coincides with Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which Tehran views as an invasion and further justification for its missile barrage. Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN backed the attack, calling it a "legitimate response" to Israel’s actions in the region.
The missile strikes have already left several dead and many more injured, with Israeli media reporting multiple casualties in Tel Aviv. The exact death toll is still unknown, but four individuals are reportedly in critical condition, with at least three confirmed fatalities from shooting attacks linked to Islamic militants.
Israel, now on high alert, has yet to announce its full response, but air defenses and emergency measures are being mobilized as the situation unfolds.
The international community is reacting swiftly, with widespread condemnation of the attacks on civilian populations. Indian officials have publicly condemned the missile strikes, standing in full support of Israel's right to self-defense. The attacks are being described as cowardly assaults on innocent civilians, with strong calls for de-escalation from various global leaders.
However, with Iran’s bold statement that its next strikes will be even more destructive if Israel retaliates, the potential for further conflict looms large over the region. As both nations brace for what could become a more widespread military confrontation, global powers are urging restraint.
This latest escalation between Israel and Iran could mark a turning point in the already fraught dynamics of the Middle East. Iran’s direct involvement, coupled with its alignment with Hamas and Hezbollah, has intensified a conflict that has long involved proxy forces. Whether Israel will strike back, and how the international community will respond, remains to be seen, but the region is undoubtedly entering a dangerous new phase.
As the violence continues, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift de-escalation but fearing further bloodshed. The geopolitical stakes have never been higher, and any misstep could lead to a broader regional conflict with global ramifications. The full scope of the damage and the exact number of casualties will likely become clearer in the coming days, but for now, the Middle East stands on the edge of further catastrophe.
