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Iran launched a wave of missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening, dramatically increasing tensions in the already unstable Middle East. The attack, which saw around 180 missiles fired, sent millions of Israelis scrambling to bomb shelters and heightened fears of an all-out war between Israel and Iran.
The Israeli military said many of the missiles were intercepted by their defense system, but some hit central and southern parts of the country. So far, no Israeli casualties have been reported, but a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed by falling debris.
This attack came just hours after Israel launched a ground invasion into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Israel also carried out airstrikes across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah fired rockets back into Israel.
Israel’s top military officials are currently deciding how to respond to the Iranian missile barrage. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed that Israel would retaliate at a time of its choosing. Iran, meanwhile, has warned that it will fire more missiles if Israel strikes back.
U.S. and International Reactions
In Washington, the U.S. government pledged to support Israel and warned Iran that there would be "serious consequences" if it continues to attack Israeli territory. The U.S. has already sent thousands of additional troops to the region to prepare for further escalations.
In Beirut, Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah, some residents celebrated the news of Iran’s missile attack on Israel with gunfire and fireworks. However, many others fear the situation could worsen, leading to more violence and destruction.
Israel Facing Battles on Multiple Fronts
Israel is now fighting on three fronts: against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and dealing with Iranian missile strikes. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes in Palestinian cities in the West Bank, and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon are clashing with Israeli forces on the ground.
The missile attack from Iran follows an earlier strike in April, when hundreds of Iranian missiles were intercepted with help from Israel’s allies, including the U.S. However, this latest attack is one of the largest seen in recent years, raising concerns that the conflict could spread further across the region.
Calls for Peace
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to the violence, urging both sides to avoid further bloodshed. "This must stop. We urgently need a cease-fire," Guterres said.
As Israel continues its operations in Lebanon and Iran keeps up its threats, the situation remains extremely tense. Many fear the conflict could escalate even further, bringing more destruction and loss of life to a region already on edge.
[With information from the New York Times]
