Iranian missile barrage on central Israel leaves five dead, dozens injured

At least five people were killed and over 87 injured after Iran launched a fresh missile barrage on central Israel early Monday (16 June), triggering rocket sirens and widespread panic across the country.

Loud explosions were reported in various parts of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and Haifa, as several missiles made direct impact, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

The Petah Tikva municipality confirmed that a building in the city had been struck, while police said there were two impact sites in Tel Aviv.

According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, four of the deceased were two women and two men, all in their seventies. A fifth victim succumbed to injuries later on the same day. One person remains in serious condition, five are moderately wounded, and 68 others sustained light injuries.

Emergency responders, including teams from MDA and United Hatzalah, were dispatched to at least four impact sites, treating and evacuating dozens of casualties. Many of the injured were also suffering from acute anxiety.

Search and rescue operations were still underway at two of the four sites, as authorities worked to determine whether more people remained trapped or wounded.

The Israel Defence Forces' Home Front Command issued an urgent warning during the night, instructing civilians to remain in protected spaces as the missiles approached. The alert followed an earlier warning issued minutes before the strikes began.

The national broadcaster also reported injuries in the northern city of Haifa.

The missile barrage is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, with tensions continuing to rise across the region.