Iranian Missile Strikes Wound Over 100 in Southern Israel

In a serious incident, Iranian ballistic missile barrages wounded about 100 people in southern Israel on Saturday, striking the cities of Arad and Dimona after air defence systems failed to intercept at least two projectiles.

Among the injured were a 12-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, both reported to be in serious condition. Officials said at least 27 people were wounded in Dimona, including a teenager who sustained severe injuries from shrapnel. In Arad, at least 68 people were injured, including 10 in serious condition and 14 moderately hurt. The remainder were treated for lighter injuries.

A mass-casualty incident was declared at Soroka hospital in Beersheba, as emergency teams responded to multiple impact sites. Magen David Adom’s chief executive, Eli Bin, said some people were believed to be trapped in damaged buildings in Arad. He described the scene as “an event of enormous magnitude”, adding that there were concerns for individuals who remained unaccounted for.

The Israeli air force said it had opened an investigation into the apparent failure to intercept the missile that struck Arad. A parallel inquiry has been launched by the Home Front Command into the circumstances of the impact.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a statement on the “very difficult evening in the campaign for our future” after the strike in Arad. “We will continue to strike our enemies on all fronts with determination,” he said.

The incident highlights the ongoing threat of missile attacks in the region, with the Israeli air force and Home Front Command working to improve their defences.