At least four people were killed in a missile strike in southern Israel early Tuesday, according to Israeli authorities.
The missile, which was fired from Iran, hit an apartment block in Beersheba shortly before the two countries confirmed an agreement to a cease-fire. This strike was part of a series of approximately 20 missiles launched in at least four barrages across Israel around the time the truce was announced by President Trump.
The Israeli military reported that it targeted missile launchers in western Iran that were prepared to attack Israel. The fatal strike in Beersheba occurred around sunrise and was one of the deadliest single Iranian attacks since the conflict escalated on June 13, when Israel commenced military operations against Iran’s nuclear sites and infrastructure.
Rescue workers continued to search the debris of the apartment building in Beersheba hours after the attack, using ladders to reach areas where survivors were believed to be trapped.
According to Israeli government sources, Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 1,000 drones during the conflict, resulting in 28 fatalities in Israel, including those from the recent strike. Conversely, Iranian authorities report that hundreds have died in Israeli strikes on Iran.
Images broadcast on Israeli television depicted extensive damage to the residential complex in Beersheba. A previous missile strike last week had also targeted a major hospital complex in the city, causing significant damage but no casualties, as most patients and staff had been evacuated.
Israel has accused Iran of intentionally targeting civilian areas, while Iranian officials claim that Israeli military operations have resulted in civilian casualties in Iran.
Victoria Shifrin, a resident of the affected building, recounted her experience during the attack, stating that she and her family sought refuge in their safe room when sirens alerted them. She described hearing a loud explosion and the door of their fortified room being blown in, indicating that the missile had struck nearby.
Shifrin, who escaped with only her clothing, described the chaotic scene as she navigated the destroyed staircase, expressing her fear and shock at the incident.