Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Mar 23: Nearly 200 people were reported injured after Iranian missile strikes targeted southern Israel, hitting areas including Dimona and Arad. According to medical officials, at least 11 individuals sustained serious injuries after Israeli air defence systems failed to intercept some of the incoming ballistic missiles.

The escalation comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, with multiple rounds of attacks reported over recent days. Local reports indicated that at least two missiles struck their targets, causing significant damage and casualties.

Among the seriously injured were a 12-year-old boy who suffered shrapnel wounds in Dimona and a five-year-old girl injured in a subsequent strike in a nearby area. Emergency responders noted that most injuries resulted from flying debris or occurred as civilians rushed to shelters during the attacks.

Medical teams at Soroka Medical Center treated around 175 people injured in the aftermath of the strikes. Meanwhile, the Magen David Adom reported additional casualties, including a woman in her 30s who was moderately injured by shattered glass, along with dozens suffering minor injuries and several treated for acute anxiety.

In response to the attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief Eyal Zamir ?????? that Israel would continue military operations against its adversaries on all fronts. Shortly after, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that its Air Force had launched retaliatory strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran.

Visuals released by emergency services showed a residential building engulfed in flames following the strike, highlighting the intensity of the attack and the scale of destruction in the affected areas.