Iranian missile strike hits Israel as air-raid sirens ring out in Haifa and Beersheba

Air-raid sirens roared across Israel on Sunday morning local time as waves of missiles were launched from Iran, forcing thousands to seek shelter. The Israeli military confirmed its air defences were actively responding to at least two waves of missiles aimed at the State of Israel.

The emergency warning was initially activated across most of northern Israel, including the strategic port city of Haifa. The Home Front Command ordered residents to move to underground shelters or other protected spaces.

After the situation was assessed as under control in that sector, the northern warning was lifted: ‘Now it is permitted to leave protected spaces in all parts of the country.’

However, calm did not last. Air-raid sirens were re-activated, this time targeting southern Israel, including Beersheba, as well as parts of the occupied West Bank. Local Israeli media reported a large number of missiles fired in the dawn attack. Nevertheless, most projectiles were claimed to have been intercepted by air defences before reaching their targets. As of this report, there have been no reports of significant building damage or casualties from the latest strikes.

The escalation forms part of a conflict that has grown more intense, sparked by an earlier US and Israel strike on Iran on 28 February. Since the fighting began in late February, missile strikes have killed at least 10 people in Israel.

The on-the-ground situation remains on high alert given the waves of attacks this morning. (AFP/Z-2)

Iran says its ballistic-missile programme is developed solely to defend its territory, and Tehran has no intention of negotiating with any country regarding the programme.