Iran Launches Missile Attack on Israel: Over 150 Missiles Fired, 2 Civilians Injured in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, 1st October 2024: Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Tuesday night when Iran launched over 150 missiles at Israel. The missile strike occurred around 10 pm, prompting the Israeli government to immediately urge citizens to take cover in bomb shelters. Sirens blared across the country as the attack unfolded, leaving two civilians injured in Tel Aviv.

The missile strike comes in response to the recent killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Iran declared the attack as the “first revenge” for Nasrallah’s martyrdom, vowing that it is only the beginning. The escalation follows an Israeli airstrike on 27th September 2024, where several tons of explosives were dropped on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, resulting in the death of Nasrallah.

In the wake of the missile barrage, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) official stated, “Israel’s air defense system is active, detecting threats and intercepting missiles where necessary.” According to The Jerusalem Post, the total number of missiles fired at Israel exceeded 500. Israel’s military response remains ongoing.

Following the Iranian missile attack, U.S. President Joe Biden convened an emergency meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and the National Security Team. Discussions centered on how to safeguard Israel from the ongoing assault and the measures in place to assist U.S. citizens currently in Israel. A White House official confirmed that the Biden administration is monitoring the situation closely and working on strategies to mitigate further escalation.

Iran’s semi-official news agency, Tasnim, reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had taken responsibility for the missile strike. The IRGC emphasized that the attack was in direct response to Nasrallah’s killing, warning Israel of further, more devastating attacks should they retaliate. “If Israel responds, we will strike again,” an IRGC representative declared.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has denied reports from the Israeli Defense Force claiming that Israeli soldiers had entered Lebanon. Hezbollah’s media relations officer, Muhammad Afif, called the reports false, asserting that there has been no direct engagement between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces. However, Afif emphasized that Hezbollah is prepared to confront any Israeli forces that attempt to enter Lebanon.

The IDF had earlier stated that its troops launched a limited ground operation in Lebanese villages near the border on Monday night, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s bases in southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, the villages serve as a launch point for Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.

This marks the first instance of Israeli forces entering Lebanon since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, a 33-day conflict that resulted in over 1,100 Lebanese casualties and the deaths of 165 Israelis.

As the situation continues to develop, the region braces for potential further conflict, with both sides issuing strong warnings and preparing for possible escalation.