Iran launched ballistic missile barrages toward central Israel while Hezbollah fired rockets from southern Lebanon on Tuesday evening, in a coordinated escalation that struck multiple Israeli cities on the eve of Passover.
Air raid sirens sounded across wide areas of the country, including Tel Aviv and surrounding metropolitan areas, sending millions of residents into shelters as families gathered for the holiday meal.
The Israel Defense Forces said air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming projectiles, but confirmed that several missiles or fragments struck populated areas.
Multiple impact sites reported in central Israel
Emergency services reported several impact sites across central Israel, with damage to residential buildings and infrastructure.
Authorities said initial reports indicated injuries caused by blast waves and shrapnel, though the full scope of casualties was still being assessed. Rescue teams were deployed to multiple locations to search for trapped individuals and assist the wounded.
The strikes disrupted Passover Eve gatherings, forcing residents to repeatedly seek shelter during one of the most widely observed holidays in Israel.
Northern communities targeted by Hezbollah fire
Simultaneously, Hezbollah intensified rocket fire on northern Israel, targeting border communities and coastal cities, including Nahariya.
Sirens were activated across the north as rockets crossed into Israeli territory. The military said it responded with artillery and airstrikes against Hezbollah launch sites and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Officials said the cross-border fire has become more frequent and coordinated in recent days, adding pressure on Israel’s northern front.
Israel responds with strikes
The IDF said it carried out retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah positions and remains engaged in ongoing operations aimed at degrading launch capabilities.
The attacks from Iran and Hezbollah underscore the widening scope of the conflict, with Israel confronting simultaneous threats from long-range missile fire and sustained rocket attacks from Lebanon.
Defense officials said the scale and coordination of the attacks reflect continued operational capacity among Iran and its regional allies, despite ongoing Israeli strikes.
Civilians bear brunt - tensions show no sign of easing
The latest escalation highlights the vulnerability of civilian areas, with major population centers once again coming under fire. Authorities urged residents to remain close to protected spaces and follow safety instructions.
The timing of the attacks, coinciding with Passover Eve, amplified their impact on daily life and public morale.
Israeli officials signaled that military operations would continue, with no immediate indication of de-escalation as the conflict enters a more prolonged and complex phase.
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