Conflict in the Middle East flared up once again as Iran launched missiles at Israel, marking the first such escalation since a fragile ceasefire took effect on April 8.
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Several bright streaks of light were seen across the night sky as missiles hit the ground. Sirens blared across several parts of Israel, sending millions of people to shelters. The Israeli military said that it intercepted the missiles, though multiple explosions were heard in the country's north. Within an hour, the military informed residents they could leave reinforced areas.
In retaliation, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on military targets belonging to the Iranian regime in western and central Iran, with the operation guided by Military Intelligence. "Iran has made a grave mistake," Israel military spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin said earlier. The military's chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, said it will "strike the enemy with determination as soon as the order is given".
Iran's state broadcaster confirmed the missile launches, while authorities shut western airspace in anticipation of a possible Israeli response. The attack came after Tehran had warned of retaliation following Israel's strike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier in the day.
