Millions of Israelis rushed to shelters today as Hezbollah launched a significant rocket barrage targeting the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, marking one of the most intense attacks on Israel's largest population center since hostilities escalated. The attack joined the already heavy rocket fire on the north, mainly the Safed and Haifa area, in the early hours of Sunday. At least 9 people were injured in both volleys, including 2 moderately.
Video: The direct impact on a Nahariyah home / Credit: Usage under Israeli intellectual property law section 27a
According to the IDF, eight projectiles were fired on the Tel Aviv area, resulting in one woman suffering from moderate wounds due to smoke inhalation. First responders also said some required medical attention due to shrapnel and blast impacts. Shortly after the attack on Tel Aviv and the coastal plain, Haifa and the Galilee came under another volley, which hit a home in multiple cities, mainly Nahariyya and Haifa.
Several homes were hit in both volleys, with at least one suffering direct impact in Petah Tikva, Nahariyya and Haifa. Another home was damaged not far away in the Israeli-Arab town of Rinatya. In the north, one person was injured in Nahariyya, and another person sustained moderate to severe injuries after a rocket hit the chicken coop area in Kibbutz Kfar Blum. The volley in Haifa also threatened the integrity of a building in the city, with officials fearing it could collapse at any moment.
Video: Damage to the home in Petah Tikva / Credit: Yaron Doron
The Sharon District Police launched immediate operational searches in response to the attacks. Other images showed damage on Route 471, which connects Kiryat Ono with the Rosh Ha'ayin area in central Israel.
Video: The site of the impact in Petah Tikva / Usage under Israeli intellectual property law section 27a
In an official statement, they urged residents to remain near protected spaces and warned against approaching rocket debris that may contain explosives, directing all reports to the emergency hotline.
Some 200 rockets were fired on Israel just on Sunday as of 1 p.m., including in the two massive noontime volleys. The rocket barrages continued into the afternoon on Israel's north, mainly in the Safed area and the towns in the Haifa region.
Meanwhile, US-brokered negotiations with the Lebanese government have shown signs of progress in recent days. The emerging framework of the agreement reportedly includes provisions for Hezbollah forces to withdraw north of the Litani River, a key Israeli security demand.
? Once again millions of civilians are in shelters as rockets are fired from Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/VSUzWLHZZ4
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2024
However, significant challenges remain in determining the oversight mechanisms and enforcement of the proposed agreement's terms.
