Mogadishu (AX) — In a dramatic turn of events, Iran unleashed a barrage of at least 80 ballistic missiles targeting central and northern Israel early Sunday. This unprecedented act resulted in the tragic loss of 10 lives and left over 200 individuals injured. The escalation comes in direct retaliation to recent Israeli strikes on military and nuclear sites linked to Iran, marking a dangerous peak in ongoing tensions.
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The missile attack, described as Tehran’s most direct confrontation with Israel in decades, struck residential and infrastructure areas in vibrant cities such as Bat Yam, Rehovot, and Haifa. In Bat Yam, a missile tragically descended upon an apartment block, claiming six lives. As emergency crews continue their search amid the rubble, one can only imagine the anguish of families desperately awaiting news of their loved ones.
In Rehovot, the impact extended beyond the immediate destruction as crucial research facilities at the renowned Weizmann Institute of Science were also damaged. Civilians in the predominantly Palestinian town of Tamra in northern Israel, further caught in the crossfire, experienced injuries, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of warfare.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the missile assault as a necessary act of self-defense, a response to Israeli airstrikes earlier in the week targeting defense facilities in Isfahan and an electronics factory in Shiraz. “If the aggression stops, our response will also stop,” Araghchi emphasized, indicating a willingness to de-escalate the situation, provided there is a cessation of hostilities.
In a startling twist, the Houthis also claimed responsibility for additional missile strikes, launching “Palestine 2” hypersonic ballistic missiles aimed at sensitive Israeli sites. This multi-faceted attack draws into focus the complexity of alliances that pervade the region. As Israeli forces retaliated with a third consecutive day of strikes in Iran, targeting what they described as missile depots and weapons manufacturing facilities, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of more aggressive actions, depicting the military campaign as a critical effort to weaken Iranian capabilities.
Moreover, advisories were issued to Iranian civilians, urging them to evacuate areas near military-industrial sites, a haunting reminder of the stark reality that war often spares no one. As the situation escalates, Israeli military operations in Gaza also persisted—resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 23 more individuals on Sunday. Since October 2023, more than 55,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, painting a dire picture of the ongoing human cost.
As both Israeli and Iranian forces engage in the exchange of missile fire, analysts express apprehension over the specter of a broader regional conflict. In response to the heightened tensions, civil aviation authorities in Israel, Iran, and neighboring Jordan temporarily closed airspace, with multiple airlines canceling or redirecting flights—a precautionary move that underscores the seriousness of the situation.
The diplomatic fallout from these escalations has revealed a profound rift between countries of the Global South and those of the Global North. The international community has been polarized, with nations across Africa, South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Non-Aligned Movement issuing fierce criticisms of Israel’s recent airstrikes. For example, Indonesia, representing Global South voices, condemned the strikes as “unlawful” and an infringement upon international law. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Prime Minister labeled the attacks as “strongly reprehensible,” reinforcing a collective stance against perceived aggression.
In stark contrast, nations in the Global North have, for the most part, expressed unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself, urging both parties to explore de-escalatory avenues. The United States, while reiterating its “ironclad” commitment to Israel, refrained from endorsing the initial airstrikes. President Donald Trump took to social media to caution Iran against any aggression towards U.S. personnel, warning that a response would be unparalleled if the U.S. were attacked.
Criticism of Trump’s stance emerged from within his political base, showcasing a divide among lawmakers. While some neoconservatives rallied behind Israeli actions, members of Trump’s “America First” faction expressed concern about the implications of yet another entanglement in the Middle East.
At the recent G7 summit, leaders voiced serious concerns that the escalating conflict could spiral out of control, potentially engulfing the entire region. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a repositioning of military assets in the Middle East, as German officials simultaneously called for urgent diplomatic solutions to quell tensions.
The European Union, albeit cautious, recognized the potential collapse of nuclear negotiations, issuing general calls for de-escalation without offering direct criticism of Israel’s military actions. NATO joined this chorus of concern, underscoring the situation as one that alarmingly affects the international community.
Reflecting on the deeper implications, analyst Hamidreza Gholamzadeh noted, “The talks were already faltering. This makes revival nearly impossible.” For many Iranians, the unfolding conflict transcends mere politics—it becomes a matter of national survival.
Despite the mounting calls for calm, the path to de-escalation remains unclear. Former U.S. nuclear envoy Alan Eyre indicated that Israel appears to be operating without significant international pressure, driven by the desire to dismantle Iranian capabilities irrespective of future diplomatic consequences.
In summary, with civilians bearing the brunt of this relentless cycle of violence and disruptions in airspace and energy markets, global observers increasingly warn that failing to address the rising tensions could prompt consequences that rival the costs of further escalation. What future awaits both nations amid such strife? Only time may tell.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
