An Iranian missile strike on a residential neighbourhood in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh has killed at least eight people, marking the deadliest attack inside Israel since the current conflict began, according to emergency and medical officials.
Rescue teams and emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the strike, where a residential building collapsed after being hit while residents were sheltering inside.
Authorities say search operations are ongoing amid fears that more victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The impact left widespread destruction across the neighbourhood, with piles of broken concrete, twisted metal and debris scattered across the area. A large crater at the site indicates the force of the explosion, while several vehicles parked nearby were completely destroyed.
Israel’s military confirmed that its early warning system had been activated before the missile struck, alerting residents of incoming fire. Officials said the circumstances surrounding the impact are under review.
Paramedics described chaotic scenes as rescue efforts unfolded under continuing threat of incoming rockets.
Ori Lazarovich, a paramedic with Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service, said teams moved toward the scene immediately after receiving the alert.
“When we got the warning, we headed straight towards the fire and the smoke,” Lazarovich said. “We arrived with dozens of medics and began pulling people from the rubble and treating casualties while rockets were still flying overhead.”
He added that several buildings in the area were “completely demolished” by the strike.
Medical teams pronounced multiple victims dead at the scene, while survivors suffered severe injuries, including crush wounds, smoke inhalation and serious burns.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as search and rescue operations continue.
The attack has intensified fears of further escalation as exchanges between Israel and Iran continue, raising concerns about broader regional instability.
