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A new wave of violence between Israel and Iran has left hundreds dead and pushed the two countries closer to full-scale war. In the past few days, Israeli airstrikes across Iran have killed at least 224 people, including more than 70 women and children, according to Iranian officials. The attacks hit several cities including Tehran, Zanjan, and Kermanshah, striking military targets but also damaging civilian areas, including a children’s hospital.
Iran quickly responded with a major missile and drone attack early Monday, hitting several cities in Israel—Tel Aviv, Haifa, Petah Tikva, and Bnei Brak. At least eight people were killed and more than 85 injured in Israel. Several buildings collapsed, and emergency crews are still searching through the rubble, especially in Haifa.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported that many of the victims of the Israeli airstrikes were civilians. A children’s hospital in Tehran was heavily damaged, and fuel storage facilities were also destroyed. Video footage shows emergency workers rescuing children and treating them in temporary clinics set up on the streets.
Among those killed in the Israeli attacks was a top Iranian commander, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Kazemi, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence unit. Iran confirmed the death and vowed revenge. Fires were also reported at military and energy sites in multiple Iranian cities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned Israel’s actions, calling them “criminal aggression.” He said Iran will not back down and insisted the country’s nuclear program remains peaceful. However, Iran’s parliament has started preparing a bill to pull the country out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which would block international inspections of its nuclear sites. This move could further increase global tensions.
Israel said its airstrikes targeted military sites, such as missile launch areas and headquarters of Iran’s elite Quds Force. However, Iran accused Israel of purposely attacking civilian areas and vowed to continue its counterattacks until what it called “Israel’s war machine” is stopped.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country has a right to defend itself and accused Israel of war crimes. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of targeting civilians and promised “massive retaliation.” There were reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had considered an attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the U.S. blocked the plan.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, confirmed he had rejected a past Israeli request to assassinate Khamenei during his presidency. He did not mention any U.S. efforts to stop the current conflict but said he hoped for a deal.
Meanwhile, Iran accused the U.S. of being complicit by failing to stop Israel. The Israeli military said it intercepted several missiles and drones, some coming from as far as Yemen. Fires broke out at a power plant in Haifa and a military site in central Israel. Sirens sounded across major cities, and rescue work continues.
Iran said it has not yet used its full military power but warned of “more devastating” attacks. The Revolutionary Guard said it had prepared for this confrontation and advised Israelis to stay away from key infrastructure.
There are fears the conflict could expand. Reports suggest Israel may be moving troops to its northern border, raising concerns of a new front opening with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Though not confirmed, the possibility of a ground war looms.
World leaders are urging calm. China warned that the Middle East will suffer the most if the fighting grows. European countries called for de-escalation, while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. Several nations have begun evacuating their citizens from both Iran and Israel.
Military experts warn that with civilians increasingly affected, the situation could spiral out of control. “Now Israelis are seeing the same destruction that Palestinians and Lebanese have endured,” said analyst Elijah Magnier. “There are fires, flattened buildings, and lives lost on both sides.”
The world watches closely, hoping this deadly conflict does not turn into a much larger war.