In the early hours of Tuesday (24 June, local time), Israel issued urgent warnings for citizens to seek shelter after detecting a barrage of missile launches from Iran. The attacks reportedly began shortly after 4 a.m. local time in Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would halt its strikes if Israel ceased its ongoing airstrikes. Despite this, Israel’s military reported a fourth round of Iranian missile fire, heightening regional tensions.
The impact of the missile strikes was significant in southern Israel, where a residential building sustained heavy damage. Emergency responders confirmed that at least three people were killed and eight others injured in the early morning assault. The Magen David Adom rescue services were dispatched to manage the casualties. Meanwhile, Israelis across the country spent nearly two hours in bomb shelters as air raid sirens blared.
U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media on Monday to announce that Iran and Israel had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire,” which would be implemented gradually over a 24-hour period. However, there were immediate discrepancies in the information being shared. Trump stated that Iran had fired 14 missiles, of which 13 were intercepted, while a Qatari military officer claimed that 19 missiles were fired at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, with one hitting the base but causing no casualties.
The situation remains fluid, with questions surrounding the feasibility and sincerity of the proposed ceasefire. As both sides assess the damage and weigh further responses, global observers remain cautious about whether peace efforts will hold. The international community continues to urge restraint, but the overnight violence has cast doubt on the immediate prospects for de-escalation. For now, civilians in the region brace for further developments amid a tense and uncertain atmosphere.
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