Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel | BBC News

Summary

Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel, targeting cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israel's Iron Dome defense system intercepted many of the missiles, and civilians were advised to take shelter. The attack was a response to the recent killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Israel is expected to retaliate, with fears of further escalation. In a separate incident, six people were killed in a shooting near a Tel Aviv railway station. The U.S. is closely coordinating with Israel's defense efforts to manage the situation.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Iran launched a significant missile attack on Israel, with missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
• 🛡 Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted many of the incoming missiles, preventing further damage.
• 🏙️ Israeli civilians were instructed to seek shelter in bomb shelters during the attack, highlighting the urgency and danger of the situation.
• 🗣️ Iran claimed the missile strikes were in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
• ⚠️ There are concerns about escalating tensions and potential further conflict across the region.
• 🇮🇷 The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the missile attack was only the first wave and threatened additional attacks if Israel retaliates.
• 🔫 A shooting attack in Tel Aviv resulted in six deaths and several injuries, adding to the violence and instability.
• 🤝 The United States military coordinated with the Israeli Defense Forces, assisting in the defense against the Iranian missile attack.
• 👮‍♂️ The attackers in the Tel Aviv shooting were neutralized by a passerby and a security guard, preventing further casualties.
• 🏛️ President Biden and Vice President Harris monitored the situation from the White House Situation Room, emphasizing the gravity of the event.

Q & A

What triggered Iran's missile attack on Israel?

Iran launched the missile attack in response to the killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

How did Israel defend itself during the missile barrage?

Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted and shot down many of the missiles as sirens sounded across the country, warning civilians to take refuge in bomb shelters.

What role did the United States play during the missile attack on Israel?

The United States military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and deployed naval destroyers to help intercept and shoot down incoming missiles.

What statement did Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issue following the attack?

The IRGC stated that the missile barrage was just the first wave and warned that further attacks would follow if Israel retaliated.

What was the aftermath of the missile barrage in terms of civilian safety in Israel?

Israeli civilians were initially told to stay in bomb shelters but were later informed by authorities that they could leave after the immediate threat passed.

What was the situation in Tel Aviv during the missile attack?

In Tel Aviv, six people were shot dead and at least nine others were injured in a shooting attack near a railway station in the Jaffa area. The two assailants were shot dead by a passerby and a security guard.

What was the reaction from Israel following the missile attack?

Israel declared that Iran's missile attack would have consequences, although it was not yet clear what specific actions Israel would take in response.

What was the atmosphere in northern Israel during the missile attacks?

In northern Israel, near the Lebanese border, there were explosions from outgoing Israeli fire. Civilians in the area took shelter as missiles were seen heading toward central Israel, and some were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems.

How did Israeli civilians in bomb shelters feel about the ongoing situation?

Civilians in bomb shelters expressed broad support for Israel’s intensified attacks on Hezbollah but were also mindful of the risk of further escalation and the dangers they might face.

What ongoing military actions has Israel been conducting near the Lebanese border?

Israel has been carrying out raids across the Lebanese border in an effort to target Hezbollah fighters and push them out of the area, which has seen ongoing threats from Hezbollah rockets.