Tensions Escalate As Iran and Israel Engage in War

By Samuel EJIGA With Agency Report

In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran launched a barrage of drones and cruise missiles towards Israel, marking the Islamic Republic's first direct attack on the Jewish state.

The assault was purportedly in retaliation for a strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the death of a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, asserted that Israel would retaliate against Iran at an opportune time.

His remarks were made ahead of a war cabinet meeting attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Iran has issued warnings of further strikes with increased force if Israel or the US respond to the initial attack.

Despite the scale of the assault involving over 300 drones and missiles, the damage inflicted on Israel was relatively limited, with most projectiles intercepted with the assistance of the US, Britain, and Jordan.

While an air force base in southern Israel sustained some damage, it continued operations without major disruption.

Notably, a seven-year-old child suffered serious injuries from shrapnel. Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, revealed that 99% of the launches were successfully intercepted.

Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syrian airspace during the attacks were reportedly downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching Israeli territory, according to western intelligence sources.

The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting in response to Israel's request.

Iran had informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, as per a Turkish diplomatic source.

Additionally, reports suggest that the US, through Ankara, conveyed to Iran the necessity of conducting its operation within certain limits. US President Joe Biden, emphasizing the desire to avoid further escalation, reportedly discouraged an Israeli counterattack against Iran.

UK Royal Air Force fighter jets and refueling aircraft participated in Israel's defense efforts, taking off from bases in Cyprus.

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have condemned Iran's actions, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation and major military confrontations in the Middle East.