TEL AVIV: At least four people were killed overnight in central Tel Aviv after a fresh wave of Iranian missile strikes, raising the total Israeli death toll to 18 since the conflict erupted four days ago, CNN reported.
According to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA), three people died in Petah Tikva and one in Bnei Brak as missiles hit residential areas in central and coastal Israel. Several buildings were damaged, and debris littered the streets of Tel Aviv.
Rescue teams and military personnel worked through the rubble of what officials said was a direct hit by four ballistic missiles.
Dozens were taken to hospitals across the region. One local resident described the intense impact of the blast, felt even from her basement.
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Meanwhile, analysts say Israel underestimated Iran’s ability to bounce back after its military leaders were targeted.
“They thought they had disrupted Iran’s command and control,” said Trita Parsi, vice president at the Quincy Institute. “But Iran quickly regrouped, and their missiles are now penetrating multiple layers of Israel’s air defense.”
Monday morning saw another wave of Iranian strikes, with multiple sites across Israel hit as the cross-border attacks continue.
In Iran, the toll is much higher. At least 224 people have been killed and 1,277 injured since the beginning of the hostilities, according to the Iranian health ministry, as reported by state media. Many in Tehran are fleeing the capital amid ongoing strikes and rising fears of more attacks.