Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Strikes on Israel, Killing Dozens

Iran has intensified ballistic missile attacks on Israel following US-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. At least 12 people have been killed and over 150 injured, with the deadliest strike hitting Beit Shemesh and earlier attacks targeting Tel Aviv. Israel’s air defence systems intercepted most missiles, but several caused significant civilian damage. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert as the attacks continue.

Iran has significantly escalated its retaliatory ballistic missile campaign against Israel in response to recent joint US-Israeli strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The missile barrages, which have targeted multiple areas in Israel, have caused substantial casualties, with at least 12 people confirmed dead and more than 150 others injured, according to reports from Israeli authorities and media outlets.
Israel’s sophisticated multilayered air defence systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, successfully intercepted the majority of the incoming projectiles, preventing even higher casualties. However, several missiles penetrated these defences, directly striking residential areas and causing significant civilian harm. The deadliest strike occurred on Sunday in the city of Beit Shemesh, located west of Jerusalem, where an Iranian ballistic missile hit a neighbourhood. The impact destroyed multiple buildings, including a bomb shelter, leading to a collapse of the roof and trapping residents.
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, reported a rising death toll throughout the day, initially recording six fatalities, which later increased to eight, nine, and potentially higher as rescue operations continued. Dozens of people were injured, with at least two in serious condition. Both the Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post described the scene in Beit Shemesh as chaotic, highlighting the extensive destruction to homes and the bomb shelter, as well as ongoing rescue efforts amid collapsed structures.
Earlier, on the night of Saturday into March 1, a separate Iranian missile barrage struck the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, killing two women — one aged 32 and another aged 68, who succumbed to injuries while attempting to reach shelter — and injuring over 120 people. Additional strikes in Jerusalem and surrounding areas caused further injuries, including shrapnel wounds, with at least seven people reported wounded in the capital. Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz and the Times of Israel, have documented the widespread damage and the continuous impact of the missile attacks on civilian life.
Israel’s Home Front Command has issued repeated warnings urging residents to remain vigilant, with sirens sounding across central and northern regions to alert citizens of incoming missiles. Authorities continue to stress the importance of taking shelter immediately during alerts and maintaining heightened awareness as Iranian missile attacks persist. The situation underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the ongoing risk to civilians amid the military and retaliatory actions between Israel, the United States, and Iran.