Iran threatens more violence

RAISI: WARNS OF ‘STRONGER RESPONSE’ TO RETALIATION

99% of launches were intercepted, according to Israel.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi yesterday warned against any “reckless” Israeli retaliation to Tehran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack, as world leaders urged restraint.

Iran launched its first attack on Israeli territory, marking a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes and sparking fears of a broader conflict, as fighting between Israel and Hamas militants rages on in the Gaza Strip.

Tehran had repeatedly threatened to retaliate against Israel for a deadly 1 April air strike on Iran’s consulate building in Damascus, and Washington warned in recent days a response was imminent.

The response came late on Saturday when Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, injuring 12 people, the Israeli army said.

Among the injured was a seven-year-old girl near the southern Israeli town of Arad who was in intensive care, according to the medical centre that received her.

But almost all of the drones and missiles were intercepted before they reached Israel, with help from the US, Jordan and other allies.

Israeli military spokespersonRear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that 99% of the launches had been intercepted, declaring that “the Iranian attack was foiled”.

While 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were shot down before they reached Israel, a few of the 110 ballistic missiles did get through, the Israeli army said.

Iran’s President Raisi said in a statement that “if the Zionist regime (Israel) or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response”.

The attack also came as the latest attempt to reach a ceasefire in the war in Gaza appeared to falter, with Israel accusing the Palestinian militant group Hamas of rejecting a truce proposal.

Iran’s proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions.

AFP correspondents heard blasts in the skies above Jerusalem early yesterday morning , and overnight people sought cover in the city while some residents stockpiled water.

Yesteray morning, people were beginning to tentatively return to the streets of Jerusalem. –