At least four civilians were killed in an Iranian missile strike on residential buildings in Israel just moments before the cease-fire between the two countries was supposed to start.
Another 20 people were wounded in the attack in Beersheba in southern Israel, local officials said, according to The Times of Israel.
“There was extensive destruction and damage to residential buildings as a result of a direct and fatal hit,” said Eliya Yitzhak Tobol, head of the Beer Sheba branch of the emergency responder organization, United Hatzalah, CNN reported.
Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz claimed on Tuesday that Iran had “completely violated” the cease-fire and vowed to “respond forcefully” with strikes in Tehran.
“The Iranian regime has seriously violated the ceasefire declared by the US President and launched missiles at Israel, and in accordance with government policy as determined – we will respond forcefully to any violation,” he posted on X.
President Trump, who had touted what he described as a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Monday, ordered Israel to “NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS.”
“IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” he railed on Truth Social.
Israeli first responders in Beer Sheba told AP reporters as they searched the rubble for survivors that the damage caused by Iran’s ballistic missiles was more extensive than attacks they’ve witnessed in the past.
The latest barrage of about 20 missiles included bomblets — small explosive submunitions — which makes it more dangerous to search for people as quickly as the area has to first be cleared.
