Escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran: Up-to-date coverage and responses from the ongoing clash, reported on June 16, Monday
In the Heat of the Middle East Conflict: Israel's Strategic Strikes Ignite Iran's Response
- Israel launched an offensive against Iran this weekend, striking crucial targets in Tehran. Hossein Salami, a top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was eliminated in the operation dubbed "Lion of the Dawn."
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the mission aimed to demolish Iran's nuclear program. The assault sparked Iran's volley of missiles against Tel Aviv, breaching Israel's awe-inspiring Iron Dome and causing residential destruction, resulting in at least five fatalities and multiple injured.
📌02.00 | Israel Braces for Another Volley of Missiles
The Israeli military reported detecting another salvo of missiles fired from Iran, assuring that its defense mechanisms are functioning to ward off the impending threat. In response, a fresh warning alert was issued in Jerusalem, advising citizens to seek shelter immediately.
However, upon penetrating the Israeli defense, Iranian missiles struck Israeli territory, leaving at least five casualties and scores of injuries in their wake, as well as entire buildings reduced to rubble.
9.15 | Calm Settles Over Oil Markets
Oil prices took a downturn on Monday following their 7% spike on Friday, as the latest military skirmishes between Israel and Iran did not cause any disruption to oil production or export facilities.
9.02 | Loss of Life Mounts in Israel
The death toll in Israel from Iran's missile attacks rose to eleven, according to emergency services reported by ANSA and AFP, in response to Israel's bombardment encroaching on Iranian territory throughout four consecutive nights.
8.55 | Russia Steps up as Mediator
Russia remains open to serving as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Moscow's proposal to store Iranian uranium in Russia remains on the table, as per the Kremlin's statement on Monday.
8.25 | UN Condemns Suffering in Gaza
The UN human rights chief condemned Israel's war in Gaza, stating that it's causing "unimaginable suffering" to Palestinians. The UN called on political leaders to pressure both Israel and Hamas to discontinue the hostilities.
07.56 | Carnage in Gaza: Casualties Skyrocket During Aid Distribution
Gaza's Civil Defense reported that 20 individuals were killed by Israeli gunfire while seeking humanitarian aid. Over 200 were injured by Israeli fire, with many cases reported as severe. These tragic events transpired as people tried to access an aid distribution center in Rafah.
The Israeli restrictions on the media in Gaza make it difficult to independently verify Civil Defense's reported casualties.
07.29 | France Excludes Israeli Exhibitors from Major Air Show
French authorities blocked access to the stands of five Israeli arms manufacturers showcasing "offensive weapons" during a major air show north of Paris, amid the conflagration in the Middle East. Israeli companies had signed contracts with the organizers, paid for their booths, and were subjected to closures, further prompting the Israeli government to deplore the "unprecedented, scandalous decision" that generated an "Israeli ghetto."
07.04 | UNICEF Highlights Lamentable Impact on Children
UNICEF warned that the conflict between Israel and Iran is having a disproportionate impact on children, with over 100 children and girls killed and injured as a result of missiles striking residential areas.
06.46 | Bat Yam Shocks as Residents Pay the Highest Price
Bat Yam, a suburb south of Tel Aviv, has been the hardest hit city so far, losing seven residents, including two children, out of a total of 200 injured. Three more individuals are still unaccounted for amid the rubble.
06.08 | Israel Claims Destruction of "One-Third" of Iran's Land-to-Land Missile Launchers
Israeli Defense Minister Alex Younger stated that Israel has obliterated approximately one-third of Iran's land-to-land missile launchers during the ongoing hostilities.
04.00 | A Look at Iran's "New Method"
Iran claimed that it used a "new method" during the latest attack on Israel, causing defense systems to focus on one another. The result was a maximum impact on targeted locations in Israeli territories that benefit from significant support and the latest cutting-edge technology.
03.45 | Damage to the United States Embassy in Israel
Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, reported that an Iranian missile had caused minor damage near a branch of the embassy in Tel Aviv. No embassy staff were injured during the incident.
03.25 | Iran's President Promotes Internal Unity in Face of Israeli Attacks
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian called upon all sectors of the country to unite in the face of Israeli attacks, thereby setting aside internal disputes and standing firm against what he termed a "criminal genocidal aggression."
03.10 | Israeli Defense Minister Threatens Iran: "You Will Pay the Price"
Israeli Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the residents of Tehran would pay the price for the regime's actions. He accused the Iranian leadership of cowardly attacking civilian populations in a desperate attempt to deter the Israeli army.
02.50 | Execution of a Mossad Spy in Iran
Iran executed a man convicted of spying for Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, in the third such case of capital punishment in recent weeks.
02.30 | Iran Promises to Attack Strategic Targets
Iran announced plans for a new missile offensive and warned that more devastating actions will be taken against vital targets. They also claimed success in hitting various points in Israeli territory.
02.10 | Israel Attacks Quds Force Headquarters in Tehran
Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked the headquarters of the Quds Force, an arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Iranian military in Tehran, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The operation targeted installations where attacks against Israel were reportedly being planned through allied groups in the region.
01.40 | Iran Claims Latest Attack Used New Method
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the latest attack on Israeli territory was orchestrated using a "new method," allowing them to overcome defense systems. Despite international support for Israel and its state-of-the-art technology, they said the results were "successful."
01.20 | Fires Reported at Power Plant Near Haifa After Missile Strike
Fires were reported at a power plant near the port of Haifa in northern Israel following a missile strike attributed to Iranian forces. Two hypersonic missiles were also reported to have hit their intended targets.
00.40 | Residential Building Hit in Central Israel
Missiles launched from Iran struck a residential building in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva, causing severe structural damage and destruction in several apartments. Local authorities have yet to provide casualty figures, but rescue teams are already working on the scene.
00.20 | Israeli Police Arrest Three Anti-War Activists
Israeli police arrested at least three protesters participating in an anti-war rally in Habima Square, Tel Aviv, against military operations in Gaza and recent attacks on Iran. Peace activist Itamar Greenberg was among those arrested.
23.55 | Trump Possibilities for Israel-Iran Agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that there are "many possibilities" for Israel and Iran to reach an agreement, suggesting that a negotiated exit from the conflict is the best long-term strategy.
23.40 | Dozens Injured by Direct Missile Hits in Israeli Central Region
The Israeli emergency service recorded at least 30 injured as a result of missile attacks in the central Israeli region. Children are among those injured in the latest escalation of the conflict.
23.20 | Lifting of the Alert in Israel
The alert in Israel has been lifted, allowing citizens to leave protected areas. Israel's Home Front Command recommended that individuals remain vigilant and adhere to instructions in case future alerts are issued.
23.00 | EU Commission President Urges Negotiated Settlement
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider a negotiated settlement with Iran, as an ongoing conflict is not conducive to a lasting peace.
22.20 | Iranian Police Discover Drone Manufacturing Site Near Tehran
Iranian police uncovered a clandestine drone manufacturing site in Shahr-e Rey, south of Tehran. Agents of the Israeli intelligence service Mossad were reportedly arrested, along with over 200 kilograms of explosives and various military materials.
22.15 | G7 Summit Overshadowed by Israel-Iran Crisis
The G7 summit convened in Canada amidst an ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The summit, led by Justin Trudeau, will focus on global economic issues, but the tense atmosphere caused by the escalating conflict cannot be ignored.
- The air show in France excluded several Israeli arms manufacturers due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
- The United Nations human rights chief condemned Israel's war in Gaza, stating that it's causing "unimaginable suffering" to Palestinians.
- Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian called upon all sectors of the country to unite in the face of Israeli attacks and set aside internal disputes, standing firm against what he termed a "criminal genocidal aggression."