Tensions have continued to rise raising fears of all-out war in the region after Israel announced on Saturday that it had killed Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of Hezbollah, in a powerful series of airstrikes that rocked Beirut on Friday evening. The Iranian-backed militia later confirmed Nasrallah’s death.
On Tuesday, apparent missiles were seen being fired over Israel. Smaller streaks of light were also observed, seemingly coming from Israel’s aerial defense system as the country attempted to thwart the attack.
A White House official indicated that there were signs Iran was preparing to launch ballistic missiles at Israel amid the escalating tensions in the region. This follows Israel’s indiscriminate attacks on the Lebanese population using pagers. Pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members exploded almost simultaneously in parts of Lebanon and Syria. This method, employed over two consecutive days, killed at least 12 people—including four young children—and wounded thousands more.
Did Iran Launch Missiles at Israel?
Yes. Iran said it fired dozens of ballistic missiles at important military and security targets in Israel, in response to the mass killing of the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as of Hamas, Hezbollah and IRGC leaders and commanders. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned that Israel would face “crushing” retaliation if it responds.
What Motivated Iran to Launch the Missiles?
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the killing of Nasrallah and a senior Revolutionary Guards commander in that attack “will not go unanswered.” Araghchi said the United States was “complicit in this crime.”
Were There Any Casualties from the Missile Attacks?
Alarms sounded across Israel, and explosions were heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as residents rushed into bomb shelters late on Tuesday. However, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari reported no casualties from the attack and stated that the army does not perceive “any more threats in our airspace.” In a video message, he reassured the public that it was safe to leave the shelters.
Israel’s emergency services indicated that at least two people sustained minor injuries from shrapnel in the Tel Aviv area.
What Are the Casualty Figures in Gaza?
According to the Associated Press, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, as reported by the territory’s Health Ministry on August 15, 2024. Israel’s offensive has also wounded over 96,000 people and displaced more than 85% of the population from their homes, according to the Hamas-run ministry.