BAT YAM – Residents of Bat Yam and other parts of Israel are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a powerful Iranian missile strike that left homes destroyed and families shattered. At least 13 people, including two children, were killed in the attacks that hit 22 locations across the country.
Julia Zilbergoltz, whose apartment in Bat Yam was directly hit, said she was sleeping when the missile struck. “I didn’t even hear the siren. I woke up to loud explosions. I’ve never been in a situation like this,” she told AFP, still in shock as she gathered her belongings.
Another resident, Yivgenya Dudka, described the destruction simply: “Everything was destroyed. There’s nothing left. No house. That’s it.” The strike killed six people in Bat Yam and injured over 100, while four others died earlier in a separate attack in the northern town of Tamra.
Mayor Tzvika Brot of Bat Yam confirmed on Facebook that dozens of buildings had been damaged, with many people still feared trapped under rubble. Rescue teams from the Home Front Command have been working for hours to locate survivors.
Meanwhile, Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Rishon Lezion also came under fire, following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The strikes are part of the most intense exchange of attacks between the two countries in history.
Some residents voiced both support for the government and concerns about escalation. “I understand Iran is dangerous and wants to destroy Israel,” said a resident named Cohen. “But I’m also very worried this war will continue longer than necessary.”