Israel-Gaza updates: 22, including 18 children, reported dead in Rafah strikes

The IDF says it struck military targets of terrorist organizations in Gaza.

ByABC NEWS
Video byJulian Kim and Dara Elasfar
Last Updated: April 21, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT

Israel launched a retaliatory strike against Iran early Friday morning local time, a senior U.S. official told ABC News.

The strike followed Iran's attack on Saturday, when Tehran sent a volley of more than 300 drones and missiles toward targets in Israel, according to Israeli military officials. All but a few were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the United States, officials said.

Iran's weekend attack came more than six months after Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, after which the Israeli military began its bombardment of Gaza.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Apr 14, 11:27 am

What to know about Iran's attack on Israel

Israeli officials said the country's Iron Dome defense system endured a big test from Iran's attack on Saturday, intercepting 99% of the 300 "threats of various types" thrown at it.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari, launched 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more than 120 ballistic missiles and more than 30 cruise missiles in the attack.

Hagari said "99% of the threats launched towards Israeli territory were intercepted -- a very significant strategic achievement."

Hagari said the attack resulted in only one known Israeli casualty, a 7-year-old girl who was severely injured when she was struck by shrapnel apparently from an intercepted missile.

Apr 13, 2024, 8:16 PM EDT

Britain launches Royal Air Force aircraft to intercept attacks on Israel

Britain's Defense Minister Grant Shapps said early Sunday morning local time that the U.K. is deploying "additional Royal Air Force" aircraft following Iran's attack on Israel.

"I have authorised the deployment of additional Royal Air Force assets. The RAF jets and air refuelling tankers will bolster our existing Operation Shader – the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria," Shapps' statement read. "In addition, these jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required."

Following the news of the RAF deployment, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement he "condemns in the strongest terms" Iran's attack on Israel.

"Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard," his statement read. "The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that all of our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.

"Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed."

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Apr 13, 2024, 7:44 PM EDT

Child in 'critical condition' in Bedouin area following Iranian strike: MDA

A 10-year-old child is in "critical condition," Israel's national emergency services -- the Magen David Adom -- has said.

EMTs and paramedics are currently treating the child in the Bedouin area, the MDA said.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Apr 13, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT

Iran launches 70 additional missiles toward Israel: US official

A senior U.S. official tells ABC News that Iran has launched an additional 70 missiles.

The country had earlier launched 80, bringing the total to 150.

-ABC News' Martha Raddatz

There are reports, but nothing is confirmed of missles hitting targets in Israel. U.S. forces in the region are reported to be shooting down drones targeting Israel.
25:54

Israel vows to respond to Iranian drone attack

There are reports, but nothing is confirmed of missles hitting targets in Israel. U.S. forces in the region are reported to be shooting down drones targeting Israel.
ABCNews.com

Apr 13, 2024, 7:20 PM EDT

Air raid sirens activate all over Israel, no reports of casualties

Israel's national emergency services -- the Magen David Adom -- said it has received no reports of casualties after air raid sirens activated all over Israel.

The MDA has received calls of "stress symptoms" and injuries that occurred while people were "running to the protected areas."

With Iranian missiles still heading to Israel, the IDF has told the public to stay alert.

When an alarm sounds, people "must enter shelter and wait there for no less than ten minutes," the IDF said early Sunday morning local time.

Israel's air defense continues to intercept threats, and Israel's Air Force has planes in the air "ready to counter any threat."

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Related Topics