Iran missiles hit Haifa in Israel, 2 dead; sirens echo across region

Tel Aviv/Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Amid escalating tensions, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel’s city of Haifa, killing at least two people while two others remain missing. Following the attack, air raid sirens continued to sound across central Israel, indicating heightened alert.

On Sunday, Iran reportedly fired four missiles toward Israel. One of the heavy missiles struck a residential apartment building in Haifa, causing severe structural damage. A large portion of the building collapsed, while the remaining structure has been left unstable, complicating ongoing rescue operations.

Emergency and rescue teams worked through the night. By Monday morning, two bodies had been recovered from the debris, while search operations continue for the missing individuals. According to the Israeli military, the possibility of further missile strikes from Iran prompted widespread alerts and activation of sirens across central regions.

Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, is strategically located along the Mediterranean coast on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Due to its strategic importance and proximity to the Lebanon border, the city has frequently been within range of attacks, including rockets from Hezbollah.

During rescue efforts, authorities briefly issued another warning about a potential incoming attack, which was later withdrawn. Earlier on Monday, reports also indicated that Iran had launched three additional missiles, most of which were intercepted by Israeli defense systems, while a few landed in open areas.