Tensions between Israel and Iran surged over the weekend as both countries launched deadly airstrikes on each other’s territories, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The escalation marks one of the most intense flare-ups in the region in recent years, with officials on both sides vowing further action.
Deadly Toll in Israel After Iranian Strikes
Israeli authorities confirmed that 10 people, including two children, were killed in a fresh wave of Iranian missile attacks that struck residential areas across northern and central Israel on Saturday night. More than 100 others were injured in the strikes, which marked a second consecutive night of Iranian retaliation.
Among the hardest hit areas was Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, where a 10-storey apartment building was struck. Six people, including a 10-year-old boy and an eight-year-old girl, died in the blast. Rescue workers described a chaotic scene, with survivors trapped under rubble and others suffering from smoke inhalation.
“We started triaging people while the building was still on fire,” said rescue paramedic Ori Lazarovich. “People came out all grey, covered in soot and ash… Some were crying and holding their family members. I saw fear in their eyes.”
In the northern Arab town of Tamra, four more civilians were killed in separate strikes. A woman living near the Bat Yam blast zone told, “We’ve been here 24 years and now we have to start over. I’m holding myself back from crying.”
Visiting the site, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran for the “premeditated murder of civilians” and promised the Islamic Republic would pay a “very heavy price.”
Iran Hit by Major Israeli Air Assault
Iranian authorities reported that 128 people were killed and around 900 injured following Israeli airstrikes across Tehran and other key locations. Iran’s oil ministry confirmed that a major oil depot in Shahran, Tehran, was hit. Israel claimed to have struck over 80 targets, including the Iranian Ministry of Defense and hidden nuclear archive facilities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a public warning in Farsi, urging Iranian citizens to evacuate all weapons manufacturing sites. “For your own safety… do not return until further notice,” IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee said.
Global Reactions and Future Outlook
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran had the right to defend itself from Israeli aggression and called for an end to the strikes. Meanwhile, former Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, speaking from exile, said the attacks had “re-energised” regime opponents.
In the United States, President Donald Trump told ABC News that American involvement in the conflict “is possible” and said he would be open to Russian President Vladimir Putin mediating between the two nations.