Israel - October 01, 2024

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it had targeted Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles on Tuesday evening, Iran's state-run IRIB TV reported.

The IRGC said in a statement that the missile attacks were in retaliation for Israel's assassinations of Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and senior IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan, as well as Israel's intensification of "malicious acts" with U.S. support against Lebanese and Palestinian people, according to IRIB TV.

Israel's military said that Iran had launched several waves of missile attacks at the country, adding more missiles are expected, but said its air defenses had proved effective in thwarting the attacks.

Israel's rescue services reported that two people in Tel Aviv were lightly injured by shrapnel after a building in the northern part of the city was damaged. There have been no immediate reports of fatalities in Israel.

Israel's Airports Authority issued a statement announcing the closure of the country's airspace, with incoming flights being redirected to other countries. Jordan and Iraq also announced the temporary closure of their airspace to flights and suspension of air traffic.

At least 200 ground-to-ground missiles were fired from Iran, activating sirens across Israel and sending millions of residents running to shelters, Israel's Channel 13 TV news reported.

Large explosions were heard across the country as a result of either the successful interceptions of some Iranian missiles or the landing of some others in Israeli territory after they bypassed Israeli air defenses, the military said.

Iran said the operation was carried out following the approval of its Supreme National Security Council and a directive by the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, with the support of the country's army and Defense Ministry.

It warned that if Israel retaliates by attacking Iran, it will face further "crushing and destructive" attacks.

Iran's Fars News Agency quoted a government source as saying that more than 80 percent of Iran's missile attack on Israel hit preset targets.

Israel Defense Force spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a statement that the missile attack from Iran had ended, and the military is still evaluating the attacks.

Shotlist:
Israel - Oct 1, 2024:
1. Explosions and missile trails in sky;
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhao Bing, correspondent, China Media Group (CMG):
"There are many bright flashes in the sky above us. It is Israel's Iron Dome air defense system that is launching interceptor missiles to intercept incoming targets.";
3. Projectiles flying in sky;
FILE: Israel - Nov 1, 2022
4. Israeli Parliament Knesset, national flag of Israel;
FILE: Tel Aviv, Israel - April 7-8, 2019
5. Various of buildings, traffic;
FILE: Tehran, Iran - April 2, 2024
6. Various of national flags of Iran, traffic;
FILE: Tehran, Iran - Date Unknown
7. Various of Azadi Tower, Iranian national flags, traffic.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]