Iranian Missiles Strike Israel, Debris Falls Near Al-Aqsa Mosque
MISSILE attacks struck Israel on Monday 16 March. According to public broadcaster KAN News, missile debris believed to originate from Iran fell near the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex in the Old City.
In the city of Safed, an interceptor missile fell and initially raised concerns about hazardous material leaks. Police subsequently stated there was no chemical risk.
The Fire and Rescue Authority reported damage at ten locations caused by missile fragments or intercepted cluster munitions, seven of which were in Rishon LeZion and also in Lod and Shoham.
Rescue teams conducted searches in buildings in Shoham and Rishon LeZion. “Ultimately, concerns about people trapped at the locations have been dismissed,” said Central District Spokesperson Amit Malul Rozenblat.
Shoham’s Home Front Defence Committee stated that missile fragments fell in residents’ yards and caused property damage. “Emergency forces are at the location to handle the incident. Residents are asked to remain indoors to avoid obstructing security and rescue forces. We will provide updates as soon as possible,” said the committee.
MDA reported a woman aged approximately 30 years sustained minor injuries from the missile attack and was evacuated to Shamir Medical Centre in Tzrifin.
“We arrived at the scene with destruction, smoke, and shattered glass. We conducted a thorough search, during which we found a woman who was in a bomb shelter during the missile attack, along with her dog,” said first responder Sheldon Levin. “She suffered anxiety and only sustained minor injuries. It is critically important to remain in a protected location when air raid sirens sound, and I do not wish to imagine what would have happened had she not been sheltered,” he said.
Israeli police requested that the public not approach projectile impact sites and not touch unsecured debris.
United Hatzalah also reported additional interceptor missile debris falling in northern Israel and the Jerusalem region, with no casualties.
In Safed, yellow-coloured jet fuel residue was observed leaking from missile fragments. Authorities stated there was no indication of chemical weapons, although investigations remain ongoing.
The city government requested residents on several streets to remain indoors and close windows. The Ministry of Environmental Protection subsequently confirmed there was no hazardous material incident. The fire at the site was attributed to residual jet fuel in the missile, with the situation under continued monitoring.
In the city of Yavne, fire broke out in a residential building’s shelter, causing three residents to sustain minor injuries from smoke inhalation. Local authorities stated the fire cause is under investigation and was not directly related to missile fragments.
In Kiryat Gat, a pedestrian aged approximately 50 years sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle when sirens sounded. According to United Hatzalah, the victim was heading towards a protected area when the incident occurred.
“We were informed by a pedestrian at the scene that the pedestrian was struck by a private vehicle after exiting a bus whilst heading to a protected area following the alarm,” said a paramedic.
The victim sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital in serious condition. MDA also reported at least 27 people injured within the past 24 hours whilst attempting to reach shelter.
Authorities continue to monitor the security situation and are urging the public to follow civil defence instructions during ongoing attacks.