Iran attacks near Jerusalem: Ballistic missile hits shelter, fatalities reported
Iran launches missile strike on Israel on March 1 (photo: Getty Images)
A direct hit by an Iranian ballistic missile on a residential neighborhood in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh has killed nine people, The Times of Israel reports.
Read also: Iran fires missiles at British military bases in Cyprus
Impact and casualties
According to the statement, the ballistic missile struck a residential area near Jerusalem on Sunday, March 1.
The strike destroyed a synagogue and caused significant damage to a public bomb shelter and surrounding homes.
Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed eight deaths at the scene, with another person later dying in the hospital. A total of 28 people were hospitalized, including a four-year-old child, and two of the injured remain in critical condition.
Aftermath of Iranian ballistic missile strike near Jerusalem on March 1
Aftermath of Iranian ballistic missile strike near Jerusalem on March 1
Aftermath of Iranian ballistic missile strike near Jerusalem on March 1
Aftermath of Iranian ballistic missile strike near Jerusalem on March 1
Aftermath of Iranian ballistic missile strike near Jerusalem on March 1
Aftermath of Iranian ballistic missile strike near Jerusalem on March 1
Investigation into causes of the tragedy
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently investigating why the missile failed to be intercepted by the Air Force. The Home Front Command is also examining how the missile hit the bomb shelter.
Preliminary police reports indicate that most of the victims were inside the public shelter. Jerusalem District police chief Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled suggested that the building was directly struck.
"It was likely a direct impact on the shelter and most, if not all of those killed, were in there," Peled said.
He added that while shelters cannot withstand a direct ballistic missile strike under certain conditions, in most cases, they reliably protect people.
Iranian threat assessment
This strike marks the deadliest incident in Israel during the current escalation. The IDF estimates that Iran currently possesses around 2,500 ballistic missiles.
The military emphasizes it will not allow Tehran to restore its military capabilities.
"The possession of missiles by a regime that intends to destroy the State of Israel constitutes an existential threat," the IDF stated.
Iran prepares for war
Tensions in the Middle East remain extremely high. Reports indicate that following the latest escalation, Iran has begun preparing for a prolonged conflict and has revised its defense strategy.
Also, the Iranian leadership has officially announced plans to increase pressure on Israel's allies, declaring an intention to force the US to capitulate.
As part of this strategy, Tehran has already attacked military bases in a neighboring country, signaling its readiness to expand the geographic scope of the conflict.
Amid these developments, the threat has also spread to Europe. German authorities are reportedly preparing for possible attacks by Iranian "sleeper cells," which could be activated to carry out sabotage operations.
