Israel reported that it had detected missiles launched from Iran more than two hours after a ceasefire had commenced on Tuesday, June 24.
This latest missile attack followed an agreement between Israel and Iran to a ceasefire plan suggested by US President Donald Trump. The conflict had lasted 12 days and had caused significant unrest in the Middle East. The truce came after Iran conducted a restricted missile strike on a US military installation in Qatar.
Both parties accepted the truce after Iran unleashed a series of missile attacks on Israel, resulting in at least four fatalities early Tuesday morning. In response, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes against various targets in Iran before dawn.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had consented to a bilateral ceasefire with Iran in collaboration with President Trump.
Netanyahu informed Israel’s security cabinet on Monday night that Israel had accomplished all its objectives during the 12-day operation against Iran. These goals included neutralizing the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
According to Netanyahu, Israel also weakened Iran’s military leadership, targeted several government sites, and gained control over the airspace above Tehran.
“Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire,” Netanyahu stated.
The cessation of hostilities was short-lived as Trump had urged both Iran and Israel to adhere to the ceasefire. He expressed his hopes for a lasting peace and strongly believed that the conflict between the two nations was over.
“I don’t believe they will ever be shooting at each other again,” Trump added.
In response to Iran allegedly breaking the ceasefire, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to “respond forcefully to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” according to BBC reports.
As reported by CNN, Israel claimed that it intercepted the two missiles, creating uncertainty about any additional damage caused by the strike.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media denied allegations of missile launches at Israel after the ceasefire had been established.
Before the ceasefire, Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel just before dawn. The attack resulted in four deaths and 20 injuries, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue services.
The strike caused significant damage to at least three densely populated residential buildings in Beersheba, as reported by the police.
First responders found four bodies in one building and continued their search for more victims.
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