No fewer than 100 people have been injured after a barrage of ballistic missiles launched from struck southern , hitting key locations in the cities of and in what authorities described as a large-scale and alarming attack.
Among the casualties were a 12-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, both reportedly in critical condition, as emergency teams responded swiftly to the aftermath of the strikes.
Reports indicate that at least 27 people were injured in Dimona, including a teenager who sustained severe shrapnel wounds. In Arad, about 68 people were affected, with 10 in serious condition and 14 moderately injured, while others suffered minor injuries.
A mass-casualty alert was declared at a hospital in as rescue operations intensified across multiple impact sites.
Chief Executive of Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, Eli Bin, described the situation as overwhelming, calling it “an event of enormous magnitude” and warning that some victims might still be trapped under debris.
Preliminary findings suggest that at least one missile, believed to carry a heavy conventional warhead, struck between residential buildings, causing extensive structural damage and igniting fires in nearby homes.
The has launched an investigation into what appears to be a failure of its air defence systems to intercept at least one of the incoming missiles. Military spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed the lapse, stating that the systems were active but did not successfully neutralize the threat.
Unverified reports also indicate that at least one building partially collapsed with occupants inside, while another structure was engulfed in flames, raising fears that the casualty toll may rise.
Reacting to the incident, Israeli Prime Minister described it as a “very difficult evening” in the country’s ongoing conflict, vowing continued military action against perceived enemies.
Authorities are also investigating an earlier strike in Dimona, home to the , a site widely believed to be central to Israel’s undeclared nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Iranian state-linked media claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as retaliation for alleged strikes on nuclear facilities in Bushehr and Natanz—claims denied by Israel.
The confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation but stated there is no indication of damage to nuclear infrastructure or abnormal radiation levels. Director General called for restraint to prevent any risk of a nuclear incident.
Air raid sirens reportedly continued across parts of southern Israel overnight, raising fears of further escalation despite earlier signs of easing tensions in the region.
