Iran launched an unprecedented assault on Israel early Sunday, firing hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, intensifying tensions in the Middle East.
According to a military spokesperson, over 300 projectiles were launched, with 99% successfully intercepted. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari described the defense as "a very significant strategic success," noting that the attack included 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles. While several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an airbase, the majority of the intercepts occurred outside Israel's borders.
International Response and Casualties
In the wake of the attack, a seven-year-old girl was seriously injured in southern Israel, with authorities investigating the exact circumstances of her injuries. Internationally, the response was quick and critical, with President Joe Biden confirming U.S. support helped intercept nearly all the projectiles. Biden also vowed to work with allies on a unified response. The United Nations, along with several countries including France, Britain, and Germany, condemned the attack, warning of the risk of further military escalation.
Background and Consequences
This attack by Iran, which directly targeted Israel for the first time, follows a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals. It marks a severe escalation in the long-standing hostilities between the two nations, which date back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The global community has expressed concern over the potential for a broader regional conflict, urging the immediate cessation of hostilities.
