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US says Iran attack ‘appears to have been defeated and ineffective’

IDF says it intercepted most Iranian missiles and there are no reports of mass casualties

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This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya on October 1, 2024. Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel on October 1, the military said, a day after the army launched ground operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions. "Sirens sounded in central Israel," the military said, without providing details of the areas that were affected. (Photo by Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP) (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Israelis have been told they can leave shelters after Iran launched around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening.

The IDF said while most missiles were intercepted, “several hits were identified”.

At the time of writing there were no reports of mass casualties.

One Palestinian was reported killed by shrapnel in the West Bank and two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel in Tel Aviv.

The IDF said: “Since the beginning of the Iranian missile attack at 19:31 IDT, IDF systems have identified approximately 180 missiles fired towards Israeli territory from Iran.”

An Israeli security official said: “The IAF operated in an effective and precise manner, intercepting most of the missiles - several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed.”

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the attack “appears to have been defeated and ineffective.”

“There will be severe consequences for this attack and we will work with Israel to make that the case,” Sullivan said during a press briefing at the White House.

Israeli airspace has reopened, the Israel Aviation Authority has said. Takeoffs and landings are expected to resume in the next hour.

IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: "At this stage, we do not identify any additional aerial threats from Iran. You may leave the protected spaces, and should continue to follow the Home Front Command's guidelines. I ask you to continue demonstrating responsibility and to be alert.

“We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the center and other areas in the south of the country. At this stage, we are still assessing the situation. We are not aware of any casualties; this is thanks to your responsible conduct.

“We ask that you do not provide any information to the enemy and refrain from sharing locations or footage from areas where there have been impacts.”

“We are on high alert both defensively and offensively. We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide. I will be here for the rest of the evening to update you with any developments. Continue to act responsibly."

Jordan’s Public Security Directorate says its air defences had intercepted missiles and drones as Iran attacked Israel.

“The Royal Jordanian Air Force and air defence systems responded to a number of missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace,” a statement said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan’s King Abdullah, Sky News reported.

A Downing Street spokesperson said on Tuesday evening: “The Prime Minister spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, and they discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

“The Prime Minister condemned Iran’s attack on Israel today in the strongest terms, which began during the leaders’ conversation, and expressed the UK’s steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians."

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