With reports on fresh wave of Iranian missiles making the rounds, explosions have been heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged the public to find shelter.
The Israeli Military said it had identified that missiles had been recently launched from Iran, and issued a warning that, “You must enter the protected areas upon receiving the alert, and remain there until further notice.”
“Exiting the protected area will only be possible after receiving explicit instructions,” the IDF added following an earlier wave of missile attacks that struck a high-rise building in Tel Aviv.
Available information from the Police indicated that one person died in the attacks, even as Israel’s ambulance service said 34 people were injured.
Additionally, local media reported that sirens are sounding across northern Israel, with the IDF saying that alerts had been activated in several areas of the country due to the missiles launched from Iran.
“At this time, the Air Force is working to intercept and attack wherever necessary to eliminate the threat,” the IDF said in a statement late on Friday.
Also, a spokesperson for Magen David Adom Rescue Service, citing by local media, said one person was killed and 19 injured in the recent wave of missile attacks in central Israel.
The spokesperson further stated that three of the injured persons are in a serious condition.
Meanwhile, Iran said dialogue with the United States (US) over Tehran’s nuclear programme is “meaningless” after Israel’s biggest-ever military strike against its longstanding enemy and accused Washington of supporting the attack.
“The other side [the US] acted in a way that makes dialogue meaningless. You cannot claim to negotiate and at the same time divide work by allowing the Zionist regime [Israel] to target Iran’s territory,” the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei as saying.
He said Israel “succeeded in influencing” the diplomatic process and the Israeli attack would not have happened without Washington’s permission.
This is as Iran earlier accused the US of being complicit in Israel’s attacks, but Washington denied the allegation and told Tehran at the United Nations Security Council that it would be “wise” to negotiate over its nuclear programme.
The sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks was set to be held on Sunday in Muscat, but it was unclear whether it would go ahead after the Israeli strikes.
China Condemns Israel’s Attack
China has condemned Israel’s violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong, who issued a statement on his country’s position, also urged Israel to immediately stop all risky military actions within the Middle East region.
According to a report by state-run Xinhua News Agency, Ambassador Fu Cong added that China opposes the expansion of conflicts and is deeply concerned about the consequences that may be brought about by Israel’s actions.
Canada Move To Protect Citizens
Amid the conflict escalation in the Middle East, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has convened the National Security Council (NSC) to ensure that “all necessary steps” are taken to protect Canadian nationals
In a statement on X, he said: “Iran’s nuclear program has long been a cause of grave concern, and its missile attacks across Israel threaten regional peace.
“Today, I convened our National Security Council to receive an update on the situation and to ensure that all necessary steps will be taken to protect our nationals and our diplomatic missions in the region.
“Canada reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and to ensure its security. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and move towards a diplomatic resolution.”
It’s Safe Leaving Protected Areas – IDF
In the latest development, IDF informed the public it is now possible to leave protected areas, but that they should remain nearby until further notice.
Emergency responders say they are treating 10 people who sustained injuries in the latest missile attacks, adding that they are in a mild to moderate condition.
However, Magen David Adom rescue service said these figures were based on initial reports and that its teams continue to scan affected areas. – With The Guardian report
