A ballistic missile strike struck the city of Beit Shemesh on Sunday, killing nine people and injuring dozens in what Israeli officials said was an attack launched from Iran. The missile hit a residential area earlier in the day, triggering a large-scale emergency response as rescue teams rushed to the scene. Medical authorities reported that 28 people were wounded in the blast. Two victims remain in serious condition, while two others sustained moderate injuries. The remaining 24 individuals were treated for minor wounds, according to emergency services.
First responders arrived shortly after the explosion and began searching through debris and damaged structures for survivors. Paramedics provided treatment at the scene before transporting several injured victims to nearby hospitals.
Authorities said the missile directly struck a synagogue, causing the structure to collapse onto a public shelter located beneath the building. Police indicated that many of the victims had sought protection inside the shelter when the impact occurred. Jerusalem District Police Chief Avshalom Peled described the incident as a “direct impact,” noting that most of the casualties were believed to have been inside the shelter at the time. The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Security officials said multiple missiles were launched during the escalation, and defense systems remain on high alert as authorities continue search, rescue, and investigation efforts
