Destruction mounts as Iran's missile strikes devastate central Israel

A fresh wave of missile strikes from Iran has caused massive destruction across Tel Aviv and central Israel, as the intensifying conflict enters its fourth day. The attacks have left several urban areas in ruins and crippled vital services.

In Tel Aviv, residential buildings have been flattened, with entire blocks reduced to rubble. Public infrastructure, including roads, electricity lines, and communication towers, has sustained extensive damage. Fires erupted in multiple neighbourhoods following direct hits, further complicating rescue efforts.

Neighbouring cities such as Petah Tikvah have also suffered significant damage. Emergency services are overwhelmed as teams continue to pull victims from collapsed buildings, with dozens feared trapped. Hospitals in the affected areas are operating beyond capacity, as injured civilians flood in.

Power outages and water supply disruptions have left thousands without basic services. Authorities have urged residents to remain near shelters and brace for further attacks amid fears of a sustained assault.

The destruction marks a dangerous escalation. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued fresh threats, warning that Tehran's civilians "will pay the price – and soon."

In retaliation for Israeli strikes on Tehran that killed over 220 people – including high-ranking IRGC officials and dozens of women and children – Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight and injuring many more.

The US has called for de-escalation, with President Donald Trump expressing hope for a diplomatic breakthrough, though reaffirming support for Israel.

Meanwhile, the broader war continues to inflict devastating damage. In Gaza, Israeli operations have killed at least 55,362 people and wounded over 128,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The scale of destruction in Israel's urban centres is expected to take years to rebuild, with economic losses projected in the billions. As the conflict shows no signs of abating, global leaders are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further humanitarian disaster.

(Source: With inputs from Gulf News)