No fewer than 100 people have been injured after Iranian ballistic missiles struck southern Israel, hitting the cities of Arad and Dimona, with reports indicating that at least two projectiles were not intercepted by the countryās air defence systems.
Emergency officials said a 12-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl were among those critically injured, as rescue teams responded to multiple impact sites.
In Dimona, at least 27 people sustained injuries, including a teenager hit by shrapnel, while Arad recorded no fewer than 68 casualties, with several in serious condition.
A mass-casualty alert was declared at a hospital in Beersheba as authorities grappled with the scale of the incident.
The chief executive of Magen David Adom, Eli Bin, described the situation as severe, warning that some individuals might still be trapped under debris.
Preliminary reports indicated that one of the missiles landed between residential buildings, causing extensive structural damage and triggering fires in nearby homes.
Unverified footage circulating online appeared to show the moment of impact shortly after warning sirens sounded.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed it had launched an investigation into the apparent failure of its air defence system.
Military spokesperson Effie Defrin said the systems were activated but did not intercept the missile, adding that the incident would be thoroughly reviewed.
Reacting to the development, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu described the attacks as a āvery difficult evening,ā pledging continued military action.
Authorities are also examining reports of an earlier strike near Dimona, home to the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said it was aware of the reports but had detected no damage to nuclear facilities and no abnormal radiation levels.
Meanwhile, Iranian state-linked media claimed responsibility for the strikes, describing them as retaliation for alleged Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in Bushehr and Natanz, claims denied by Israel.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for restraint, warning of the risk of escalation and potential nuclear safety concerns.
Air raid sirens continued to sound across parts of southern Israel overnight, raising fears of further attacks as tensions between both countries intensify.
Iranian missiles hit southern Israel, over 100 injured as air defences fail
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