A massive wave of Iranian missile strikes hit Israel on Sunday, leaving pockets of devastation in its wake, as the Islamic republic retaliated against a recent US attack on its nuclear sites. The strikes, which targeted multiple locations across the country, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, caused widespread destruction and panic.
In the Ramat Aviv neighborhood near Tel Aviv, the scenes were apocalyptic, with rubble-filled streets and the facades of apartment buildings eviscerated by the falling projectiles. Rescue teams were seen picking through the debris, searching for anyone trapped or injured. The mere skeletons of homes were left standing, with wooden frames visible amid a sea of debris. Many residents were jolted awake by air raid sirens warning of the incoming attacks and were forced to seek shelter.
When they emerged from their shelters, they were met with the shocking sight of their homes and neighborhoods in ruins. One resident, Aviad Chernichovsky, was seen embracing a woman, both of them in tears, as he described the destruction of his home. “Our entire house was destroyed – there’s nothing left,” he said, visibly shaken. Several elderly residents were placed on chairs and beds to allow for medical evacuation, while paramedics tended to those injured in the attacks.
In Haifa, a public square in a residential area was left strewn with rubble, with surrounding shops and homes heavily damaged. Palm trees withstood the impact in a small public garden, but storefronts were bent, shop windows shattered, and air conditioners left dangling from building facades. Sirens, however, did not sound in this area, leaving residents unaware of the incoming attacks.
According to the Israeli military, two salvos of missiles were launched at Israel from around 7:30 am, with Iran’s armed forces claiming that the barrage targeted multiple sites, including Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. The Israeli military said that its sophisticated air defenses had intercepted many of the missiles, but some still managed to hit their targets, causing widespread damage.
This latest attack is part of an escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which has seen daily missile barrages launched from Iran since a wide-ranging Israeli attack on the Islamic republic’s nuclear installations and military bases. Israel’s air defenses have intercepted over 450 missiles and around 1,000 drones, according to the latest figures from the Israeli military. However, at least 50 impacts have been officially acknowledged nationwide, with the country’s air defense batteries unable to prevent all of the strikes.
Iran’s armed forces said that Sunday’s barrage relied on some of their most sophisticated long-range missiles, with “devastating warhead power.” The Israeli authorities are still taking stock of the damage and are working to clarify what happened. An army spokesperson said that the possibility of a malfunction with the interceptor is under investigation.
As the situation continues to unfold, officials are assessing the full extent of the damage. Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai visited the scene in Ramat Aviv, where he said that houses had been hit very badly. “Those who were in the shelter are all safe and well,” he said. “The damage is very, very extensive, but in terms of human life, we are okay.” The Israeli police have been deployed to multiple impact sites, with rescue teams working tirelessly to search for anyone trapped or injured.
