More than 100 people were injured after two large Iranian missile strikes hit southern Israel near the nuclear site at Dimona and in the nearby city of Arad, according to the Israel Defense Forces and emergency responders. Israeli rescue service MDA said 33 people were treated in Dimona and 75 in Arad, where missiles directly struck buildings in both cities. Reports Dw.com.
Officials said interceptor missiles were launched but failed to stop the incoming ballistic missiles, which reportedly carried warheads weighing several hundred kilograms. In addition to the two buildings that were directly hit, three others suffered heavy damage, and a fire broke out in one of them. Ten people were reported to be seriously wounded, while rescue teams continued searching through the rubble for possible victims.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that after what he described as a very difficult evening, Israel remained determined to continue striking its enemies on all fronts. Earlier reports had put the number of injured at around 40, including a 10-year-old boy said to be in serious condition.
The strikes came amid sharply rising regional tensions. Earlier the same day, Iran accused the United States and Israel of attacking its Natanz nuclear facility. Iranian officials later said the strike on Dimona was a response, while Israel denied involvement in the Natanz attack.
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