International Desk, (EFE).- At least 34 people were injured, including two critically, following Iran’s missile strike on Israeli territory on Friday. Israeli emergency teams confirmed that multiple buildings in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, known as Gush Dan, were hit, leaving several individuals trapped under rubble.
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, stated that a woman in her 60s and a man in his 50s were critically injured.
Two others were reported in moderate condition; at least 30 more suffered minor injuries from shrapnel and impact-related trauma.
“Extensive damage was caused by a missile that hit a residential building,” said MDA paramedic Harel Sasson. “We had to resuscitate the woman who was found under the debris, while the man suffered severe shrapnel wounds.”
All the injured were transported to Sheba, Beilinson, and Ichilov hospitals in Tel Aviv.
Beilinson Hospital confirmed that the woman remains in critical condition. “Doctors are fighting for her life,” the hospital said.
Firefighters rescue trapped victims amid widespread damage
Israeli fire services reported two major incidents in the Tel Aviv region, confirming the collapse and destruction of multi-story buildings.
“Firefighters are working to extinguish flames and extract two individuals who have been safely rescued.
The Israeli army announced that civilians could now leave protected spaces but advised staying near shelters. “All citizens may leave protected areas but should remain nearby and follow security instructions,” the army stated.
Throughout Friday, missile alerts and sirens sounded across central Israel as the country remained on high alert, urging residents to stay indoors during ongoing military operations targeting Iran.
Iran declares “firm response” amid escalating conflict
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Islamic Republic rejects all calls for restraint amid the escalating hostilities with Israel.
“At this moment, we do not accept any call for moderation,” Araghchi told British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, according to Tehran Times. He added, “Iran’s response to Israeli aggression will be firm and decisive, by the UN Charter.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted “dozens of military sites and airbases” in Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iranian soil.
Iranian media reported that key military figures, including IRGC commander General Hossein Salami and aerospace chief General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, were killed in Israeli airstrikes earlier Friday.
More than 70 people reportedly died, and 300 others were injured, although these figures remain unverified by official Iranian sources.
One of the targets, the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, suffered reported damage, prompting international concern.
UN Security Council urges immediate de-escalation
At an emergency session on Friday, all 15 UN Security Council members called for restraint and dialogue, though positions varied.
Russia’s envoy Vasily Nebenzia condemned Israel’s actions, calling them “a gross violation of the UN Charter.” He accused Israel of acting with impunity, backed by Western powers. “This is a direct consequence of months of Western hysteria against Iran,” he said.
China’s representative took a more neutral stance, urging influential nations to act constructively.
The United States, represented by McCoy Pitt from the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, stressed that attacks on US personnel or assets would provoke a severe response.
However, he refrained from supporting further Israeli strikes.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow were affected.
“Radiation levels remain normal,” he assured. He reiterated that “nuclear facilities must never be targets.”
Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Jalil Iravini, directly blamed the US for aiding Israel. “The complicity of the United States in this terrorist attack is beyond doubt,” Iravani stated.
He invoked Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and warned of “a firm and proportional response at the time and place of our choosing.”
Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage caused dozens of injuries but no reported fatalities in Israel. “Our response is legitimate, essential to restore deterrence and defend our sovereignty,” Iravani said.
US confirms missile interception support, leaders call for diplomacy
The US confirmed it was assisting Israel in intercepting Iranian missile attacks. A US official told EFE that support included real-time defense coordination.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel used “significant U.S.-made equipment” and expressed hope that Iran would now negotiate on the nuclear deal. “Maybe now they’ll negotiate seriously,” he wrote on Truth Social.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump discussed the situation by phone and agreed on the importance of diplomacy.
Starmer expressed “deep concern” over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and called for calm.
“This is your opportunity to rise,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a message directed at the Iranian people, without providing further details. EFE
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