Israel launched renewed airstrikes on Iran Saturday, intensifying the ongoing conflict after Tehran’s missile barrage killed three and wounded over 90 people in central Israel. Iran’s attack came in response to earlier Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which Tehran claims killed at least 78 people, including high-ranking IRGC generals and nuclear scientists.
Israeli military officials confirmed that the latest attacks targeted Iran’s air defence systems and vowed to continue operations “as long as necessary.” The Israeli death toll rose to three after a critically injured woman succumbed to her wounds. Earlier casualties included two others, and dozens remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition.
Reports from Ramat Gan, a Tel Aviv suburb, said nine buildings were destroyed and hundreds of apartments damaged, displacing nearly 400 residents. Video footage revealed widespread devastation, including burnt-out vehicles and collapsed structures.
At the UN Security Council on Friday, Iran accused the U.S. of enabling Israeli aggression. Iranian UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani said, “The United States is complicit,” arguing that American support makes Washington equally responsible for the consequences.
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While U.S. officials acknowledged being informed of Israel’s plans, they denied any direct involvement. State Department official McCoy Pitt warned Iran against escalating tensions, stating, “Iran would be wise to return to negotiations.”
Former President Donald Trump, speaking to The Wall Street Journal, confirmed U.S. awareness of Israeli plans. He warned Tehran to strike a deal before suffering “more brutal” consequences but expressed a desire to avoid broader war.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned Israel’s strikes as “unjustified and illegitimate aggression,” asserting they violated Iran’s sovereignty and international law. In a statement, Pakistan expressed solidarity with Iran, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter that guarantees the right to self-defence.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, strongly condemning the Israeli actions and offering condolences for the loss of life.
Meanwhile, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told the UN Security Council that attacks on nuclear facilities pose a serious risk to global safety and offered the agency’s support in assessing damages and facilitating diplomatic solutions.
Gaza Conflict Update:
In parallel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Since October 2023, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,821 deaths since March 18 after a ceasefire collapsed. More than 15,000 have been injured during the ongoing Israeli military campaign.
Human rights groups have labeled the Gaza campaign a systematic effort of ethnic cleansing. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Court of Justice is also currently reviewing a genocide case against Israel.
