Iran launches missile barrage on Israel; dozens injured, one confirmed strike

At least 23 people were injured and one direct missile impact was confirmed in central Israel after Iran launched two waves of missile strikes in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, according to Israeli rescue services and local reports.

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed that 23 individuals were evacuated to hospitals, including a 30-year-old man who sustained moderate shrapnel injuries to his upper body.

Public broadcaster KAN 11 aired footage of a heavily damaged building surrounded by rubble, reportedly in central Israel, following the missile strikes which began around 7:30 a.m. local time (0430 GMT). Sirens sounded across the country as Israeli defense systems were activated, with loud explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Israeli police reported falling missile fragments in northern areas, including the port city of Haifa, where emergency services responded to what authorities called an “accident site.”

Due to strict military censorship, official details on missile strikes are limited. However, the Israeli government has confirmed at least 50 missile impacts nationwide and 25 fatalities since hostilities with Iran began on June 13. Tel Aviv, Beersheba, and Haifa have been the most frequent targets.

 

According to the Israeli military, its advanced air defense systems have intercepted over 450 missiles and approximately 1,000 drones during the conflict.

Scenes of Devastation Across Israel

On June 22, fresh Iranian missile strikes left scenes of destruction across multiple Israeli cities. In both Haifa and areas surrounding Tel Aviv, buildings were heavily damaged, their facades torn away and streets filled with debris as rescue workers combed through rubble searching for survivors.

In Tel Aviv's Ramat Aviv neighborhood, several homes were reduced to wooden frames. Residents emerged from shelters to find their homes in ruins.

“Our entire house was destroyed—there’s nothing left,” said Aviad Chernichovsky, who had rushed to a shelter when sirens sounded. Nearby, a man and woman embraced in tears.

Paramedics treated multiple elderly residents, helping them evacuate on chairs and stretchers. One woman, injured in the face, appeared shaken as she was escorted from the debris.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai visited the area, describing “very extensive” damage but confirmed that lives were spared thanks to the shelters. “Those who were in the shelters are all safe and well,” he said.

Elsewhere, police confirmed two more impact sites: one in Haifa and another in Ness Ziona, just south of Tel Aviv. In Ness Ziona, palm trees remained standing in a public garden, but shopfronts were twisted, windows shattered, and air conditioning units hung precariously from damaged buildings.

Unusually, sirens did not sound in Ness Ziona before the strike. Authorities are investigating a possible malfunction in the interceptor system. “The possibility of a malfunction with the air defense system is under review,” said an army spokesperson.

Officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage amid fears of further escalations.