Israel endures strikes in Tel Aviv and Haifa; Iran applauds allegedly innovative technique
Headline: Conflict in Middle East Intensifies: Iranian Missiles Hit Israel, Stoking Fears of Regional War
Tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified dramatically this month, with Iranian missiles striking Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn on Monday. This development has alarmed world leaders gathered at the G7 meeting, raising concerns that the fighting between these two ancient foes could trigger a broader regional conflict.
At least 5 lives were sadly claimed by the latest Iranian attacks, according to the national emergency service. This raises Israel's total death toll to at least 18 since Friday, with over 100 more wounded in the overnight strikes. These attacks are part of Tehran's response to Israel's preemptive strikes on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Emergency services in Haifa are currently working to locate survivors and tend to the injured, where around 30 people were reported wounded. Fires were also seen burning at a power plant near the port.
Footage shows several missiles over Tel Aviv and explosions could be heard there, as well as over Jerusalem. Residential buildings in a densely populated neighborhood of Tel Aviv were destroyed, with buildings like hotels suffering broken windows just meters from the U.S. Embassy branch in the city, though the ambassador reported minimal damage with no injuries to personnel.
Guydo Tetelbaun, a 31-year-old chef living in Tel Aviv, recounted his experience when alerts came in shortly after 4am (0100 GMT).
"As usual, we went into the shelter that's right across the street. And within minutes, the door of the shelter blew in."
"A couple of people came in bloody, all cut up. And then when we came to the apartment, after it quietened down, we saw there wasn't much of it... Walls are caved in, no more glass," he added.
"It's terrifying because it's so unknown. This could be the beginning of a long time like this, or it could get worse, or hopefully better, but it's the unknown that's the scariest."
The strikes hit near Shuk HaCarmel, a popular market in Tel Aviv attracting numerous residents and tourists daily for fresh produce and popular eateries. Additionally, a residential street in nearby Petah Tikva and a school in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish city of Bnei Brak were also targeted.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard discussed the new method employed in these attacks, indicating that Israel's multi-layered defense systems were tricked into attacking each other. The Israeli military has yet to respond to this news.
A rift between Iran and the international community, particularly its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons, is likely to dominate discussions among the G7 leaders as they meet in the Canadian Rockies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cited preventing Iran from acquiring or possessing nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel's right to defend itself, avoiding escalation of the conflict, and allowing for diplomacy as his primary goals for the summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism for a deal, stating that "I think it's time for a deal." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in turn, insisted that the country had no plans to create nuclear weapons but would continue pursuing its right to nuclear energy and research.
The spike in oil prices as a result of this conflict has put investors on edge, while stock and currency markets have remained relatively stable in Asia for the time being. Jim Carroll, senior wealth adviser and portfolio manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth, suggested the conflict is currently more an oil story than an equity story.
While tensions rise, the Iranian death toll has reached at least 224, with a reported 90% of casualties being civilians, according to an Iranian health ministry spokesperson.
Gossip Corner:- Cyber Attacks in Southeast Asia: Vigilant groups in Cambodia have been accused of launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on Thai websites amid escalating regional tensions.- Foreign Troubles: Thai authorities have arrested 13 individuals suspected of spearheading a scam targeting Australians.- Healthcare Struggles: Issues with cost and reliance on imported pharmaceuticals are bringing challenges to Thailand's pharmaceutical industry.- Decline in Competitiveness: Thailand has dropped five positions in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, mostly due to a decline in healthcare and business environment.- Motorsports in Thailand: Formula One racing is making its return to Thailand from 2028 to 2033, with an estimated THB 41bn budget allotted.
- The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel could potentially impact the global economy, with oil prices spiking due to the tensions, causing concern among investors.
- In a separate development, vigilant groups in Cambodia have been accused of launching cyber attacks on Thai websites, adding to the regional tensions in Southeast Asia.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of health, Thailand is facing challenges due to issues with cost and reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, impacting the competitiveness of its pharmaceutical industry.
