Tensions between Israel and Iran continued to escalate on Saturday and Sunday with a series of air strikes on both sides targeting critical areas of the other, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
New Wave of Attacks from Iran to Israel: Casualties Rising
Iran's latest wave of attacks began shortly after 23 p.m. local time on Saturday, with air raid sirens sounding in Jerusalem and Haifa. Israeli media reported that the second wave of attacks began after 00 a.m., following an attack on the city of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. At least 35 people are missing reported.
A missile hit an eight-storey building and many people were rescued, an emergency services spokesman said. At least 4 people lost their lives He stated that the Iranian attack on the predominantly Palestinian town of Tamra in northern Israel At least four people lost their livesIt was reported that all four of those who lost their lives were from the same family, including a woman and her two daughters aged 13 and 20.
An unknown number of missiles evaded Israel's air defense system and hit Rehovot and Bat Yam in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli emergency services. A 69-year-old woman, an 80-year-old woman and two children, including a 10-year-old boy, lost their lives. More than 100 people were reported injured and dozens are still missing under the rubble.
Israel Retaliates Against Iran: Critical Targets Hit
Iran has launched a series of missile attacks on Israel, killing at least eight people and wounding more than 8, in retaliation for attacks that Israel said targeted Tehran's nuclear program and hit key sites including the defence ministry on Friday.
The semi-official Iranian Tasnim news agency said on Sunday that the Israeli attacks were carried out in the Iranian capital Tehran. Shahran oil depot announced that the Israeli attacks were targeted and a fire broke out, but the situation was under control. The same news agency reported that the Israeli attacks were carried out by Iran that they also targeted the defense ministry building and reported that it caused minor damage.
The Israeli military said Iran still has an arsenal of weapons capable of causing serious harm to Israel. The Israeli military made clear that operations were ongoing and that retaliation would continue, saying, “We are currently attacking Iran” and “Iranian attacks are not behind us.”
At a time when tensions in the region are escalating, calls from the international community to reduce tensions are increasing, while the risk of the conflict spreading to a wider area is increasing concerns.
