Former US President Donald Trump Shot But Escapes Assassination Attempt
Kofoworola Odozi
In a dramatic escalation of the longstanding conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, framing the attack as retaliation for Israel’s continuous military actions in Palestine. This marks one of the most significant missile strikes by Iran in recent years, coming amid mounting regional tensions and growing global scrutiny over Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that most of the missiles were intercepted by its air defense systems, but several missiles managed to hit central and southern Israel, causing significant damage. So far, the only confirmed casualty is a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the continued toll on Palestinian lives even as this conflict intensifies.
The Context: Israel’s War on Palestine
For decades, Israel’s military operations in Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, have sparked international condemnation. The ongoing expansion of settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes, and frequent airstrikes have led to widespread suffering for Palestinian civilians, many of whom are displaced, injured, or killed as a result of Israel’s actions. This situation has fueled regional resentment, with many countries, particularly Iran, vocally opposing Israel’s policies.
Iran’s missile strike follows a pattern of heightened regional tensions. The strike came after Israel’s intensified military actions against Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which Iran supports politically and militarily. Iran’s leadership framed the missile barrage as a justified response to what it sees as Israel’s continuous aggression and occupation.
The Missile Attack: A Show of Force
At around 19:30 local time (16:30 GMT), air raid sirens blared across Israel, prompting millions to take shelter. The missile strike, involving over 180 projectiles, targeted key military sites in Israel, including airbases, intelligence headquarters, and gas facilities in the southern city of Ashkelon, which lies near the Gaza Strip—a region that has borne the brunt of Israeli airstrikes.
Iranian state media reported that among the missiles deployed were advanced models like the Fattah hypersonic missile, which Iranian officials claim is nearly impossible to intercept. Despite the technological sophistication of the attack, Israel’s Iron Dome and other missile defense systems successfully intercepted most of the incoming missiles.
However, several areas in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, saw direct impacts. In Tel Aviv, missile strikes near the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency caused considerable damage to surrounding infrastructure, while in the southern region, significant damage was reported in public and residential areas.
Impact on Civilians: Palestinian Lives at Risk
Although the missiles were aimed at military targets, the broader context of Israel’s ongoing war in Palestine remains a pressing concern. The only confirmed fatality from the attack is a Palestinian man in Jericho, a city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. His death serves as a somber reminder that Palestinians, despite being the victims of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, continue to be caught in the crossfire of retaliatory strikes aimed at Israel.
Over the years, Israel’s military actions have disproportionately affected Palestinian civilians. In Gaza, the densely populated enclave has endured repeated bombardments that have destroyed homes, hospitals, and schools, with little distinction between military and civilian targets. These ongoing attacks have led to international criticism, with human rights groups accusing Israel of committing war crimes and violating international law.
Iran’s Response to Israel’s Escalations
Iran’s missile strike is part of a broader geopolitical struggle in the region. Iranian leaders, particularly those within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have repeatedly expressed their support for Palestine and condemned Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The assassination of key figures aligned with Iran and Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, has further inflamed tensions.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, gave the order for the missile strike in what Tehran described as a justified act of resistance against Israel’s continued war on Palestine. IRGC officials reiterated that their actions are in defense of the Palestinian people, promising more retaliation if Israel does not cease its attacks on Palestinian territories.
Israel’s Defense and Retaliation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly condemned the missile attack, calling it a failed attempt to harm the country. Despite the heavy barrage, Israel’s defense systems—bolstered by support from the United States—were able to neutralize most of the missiles, and Israel suffered fewer casualties than might have been expected from such a large-scale attack.
Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant both vowed swift retaliation, with Netanyahu warning Iran of severe consequences. “Iran made a grave mistake tonight, and Israel will respond in kind,” Netanyahu stated. However, critics argue that Israel’s response will likely lead to further attacks on Palestinian territories, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
Global Reactions: Condemnations and Calls for Restraint
The international community has largely condemned the missile strike, with US President Joe Biden reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Israel’s defense. European leaders also criticized Iran’s actions while urging restraint from both sides to avoid a full-scale regional conflict.
However, there are growing calls for the global community to address the root of the conflict—Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Human rights organizations have long argued that as long as Israel continues its occupation and military operations in Palestinian territories, the cycle of violence will only escalate.
What’s Next? A Conflict with No End in Sight
As Israel prepares to retaliate, the situation remains highly volatile. Iran has warned that any military response from Israel will result in further missile strikes, potentially pushing the region toward a broader war. For Palestinians, who are often overlooked in the power dynamics between Israel and Iran, this escalation only worsens their plight.
While diplomatic efforts may offer a temporary reprieve, the underlying issues—Israel’s ongoing military occupation of Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—remain unresolved. The missile strikes and retaliations are yet another chapter in a conflict that has persisted for decades, with no clear end in sight.
As the world watches, the immediate concern is whether these actions will spark a broader war or open new avenues for peace. Until the rights and aspirations of Palestinians are fully recognized, and Israel’s occupation ends, it is unlikely that lasting peace can be achieved in the region
