Iran Has Launched A Huge Missile Attack On Israel In Response To Israel’s Attacks On Gaza And Lebanon
Iran said the attack was in retaliation for Israel’s assassinations of Hamas’ political leader and Hezbollah’s longtime leader, as well as Israel’s deadly attacks in Lebanon and genocide in Gaza.
Iran launched a huge barrage of missiles toward Israel of about 180 ballistic missiles on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Iran said the attack was in retaliation for Israel’s assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ former political leader in Iran, and Hezbollah’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, as well as Israel’s deadly attacks in Lebanon and genocide in Gaza that has killed more than 41,638 Palestinians.
Iran said that it acted within its right to “defend itself”.
Videos showed missiles raining down from the sky over Israel and sirens sounded.
Israelis took cover in bomb shelters after explosions were heard across the country.
The missile strikes occurred in two waves and targeted various military and intelligence centers within Israel, particularly aiming to overwhelm Israeli air defense systems.
Most of the missiles were targeting Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and two air bases – Nevatim Air Base and Tel Nof Air Base, according to CNN.
However, Mossad’s headquarters is located in Tel Aviv’s Glilot neighborhood, a densely populated residential area, which puts civilians in danger.
No deaths were reported, but two people were injured by falling shrapnel in Tel Aviv, according to Israel’s emergency service, Al Jazeera reported.
Approximately 100 houses in central Israel were reported damaged, while some areas caught fire from the falling shrapnel and debris
The shockwaves from the explosions also affected residential areas, causing further property damage.
Iran said its missiles hit 90% of their targets.
However, Israeli officials said that Iran’s attack was unsuccessful as its Iron Dome defense system intercepted most of the missiles
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran made “a big mistake” and “will pay for it".
He has vowed retaliation and added that Israel will continue fighting the “axis of evil” in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran.
The US, UK and France condemned Iran’s attack and reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself.
This is the second time Iran launches an attack of such scale toward Israel.
It directly attacked Israel for the first time on April 13, launching hundreds of missiles and drones after Israel bombed Iran’s consulate in Syria.
Cherry Mohamed
Sofia Hou
Kassy Cho
