Israel and Iran Escalate Attacks, Ignoring Global Calls for Ceasefire
# By Lucky Chand
Israel and Iran launched renewed attacks against each other on Sunday, killing civilians and heightening fears of a broader regional war. The hostilities continued despite urgent diplomatic appeals from global leaders.
Iran fired missiles toward Israel on Sunday evening, with explosions reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the coastal city of Haifa. Israel’s defense systems intercepted most projectiles, though at least one strike hit an apartment building in Bat Yam, killing seven people and wounding over 100 others.
In retaliation, Israel struck military targets across Iran, including sites in Tehran. Iranian state media reported attacks on oil refineries and the death of a senior Revolutionary Guard intelligence chief, along with two other generals. Health authorities stated Israel’s campaign since Friday has killed 224 people and injured 1,277 in Iran, without specifying civilian-military distinctions.
According to Israeli officials, Iran has launched over 270 missiles since Friday. Twenty-two penetrated Israel’s air defenses, killing 14 civilians and injuring 390. Israel asserts its operations aim to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting the Bat Yam strike site, vowed Iran would pay a “very heavy price” for targeting civilians. Iran’s military urged Israeli civilians to “take precautions,” while Israel issued similar warnings to Iranians.
As G7 leaders convened in Canada Sunday to address the crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a deal but acknowledged, “Sometimes they have to fight it out.” Iran, however, rejected ceasefire talks through mediators Qatar and Oman while “under Israeli attack.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the G7’s focus on containing the conflict.
Early Monday, Israel confirmed further air raids targeting Iranian surface-to-surface missile facilities. Both nations warned civilians to prepare for additional strikes.
