By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Tensions in the Middle East have dramatically escalated as Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones at multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, in what appears to be a direct retaliation for Israeli strikes in recent days.
Iran’s state television reported that the Islamic Republic had targeted Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other key Israeli locations with “tens of missiles and drones,” claiming the attack managed to penetrate “layers of Israeli defence systems.”
The
BBC
reports that while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has acknowledged detecting missile launches from Iran, official confirmation of the extent of the damage or casualties is still pending from the Israeli military.
Emergency response teams have been activated across Israel. In the northern port city of Haifa, a missile reportedly struck a residential building.
CNN
quoted ZAKA, an Israeli search and rescue organisation, as saying that their teams are en route to the scene. A Reuters live camera captured the aftermath, showing smoke rising prominently from Haifa’s skyline.
Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services have also confirmed they received reports of a “direct hit on a residential building in the Coastal District,” and dispatched firefighting teams to manage the situation.
Israel Police have issued a public advisory, asking residents to steer clear of impacted areas and adhere strictly to instructions from officers and emergency personnel on the ground.
“At this stage, no reports of casualties have been received, but property damage has occurred,” police said in a statement.
Earlier in the evening, the IDF issued an alert after detecting Iranian missile launches. Citizens across central and northern Israel were urged to seek shelter in protected spaces as sirens blared across affected regions.
The attack marks a serious escalation in hostilities between Iran and
Israel
, following days of intensifying military and diplomatic friction.
If confirmed, the direct strikes from Iranian territory represent one of the boldest military actions by Tehran against Israel in recent memory.
The situation remains fluid, with both Israeli and international observers watching closely for any response from the Israeli government and military.
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Syndigate.info
).