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, 8:54 PM EDT

Biden and Netanyahu to speak this evening

A senior administration official confirmed to ABC News President Biden and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are planning to speak Saturday evening.

President Biden is currently back in the Situation Room in a follow-up meeting with his national security team. The first meeting they had this afternoon in lasted for approximately two hours.

President Joe Biden meets with the national security team at the White House, April 13, 2024. (PHOTO: White House)
White House

The official said they could reconvene the meetings again later tonight.
-ABC News' Selina Wang

Apr 13, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT

'Small number' of Iranian missiles land in Israel: IDF

A "small number" of Iran's surface-to-surface missiles landed in Israeli territory early Sunday morning, Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

One missile hit an IDF base in the south and a female child was injured.

Hagari said the Israeli Air Force has intercepted more than 10 cruise missiles outside of the country's territory. Over 200 missiles and UAVs (drones) were launched from Iran, he said.

The IAF remains in the air.

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Amir Cohen/Reuters

Meanwhile, a U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that U.S. forces in the Middle East had intercepted and shot down "a few dozen" Iranian objects headed toward Israel.

Additionally, a U.S. defense official confirms Iran has fired both cruise and ballistic missiles

-ABC News' Will Gretsky and Luis Martinez

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

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