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 14, 2024, 12:40 PM EDT

Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon reopen airspace after Iran attacks Israel

Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon have reopened their airspaces following Iran's attack on Israel, though some restrictions remain in the region.

“At 8:15 a.m., the Authority reopened the Kingdom’s airspace to air traffic after re-evaluating the risks according to national and international standards for the safety and security of civil aviation," the Jordan Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission said in an X post, formerly Twitter.

Lebanese state TV announced the Beirut Airport will resume operations.

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority said the airspace had reopened after “overcoming all risks that affect the security and safety of civil aviation in Iraq.”

-ABC News' Ali Ayesha and Carla McMichael

Apr 14, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT

Biden meets with G7 leaders to discuss Iran attack

President Joe Biden met with G7 leaders Sunday, where they condemned Iran's attack and affirmed their support for Israel, the White House said.

"President Biden spoke by secure video with the leaders of the G7 today," the White House said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "The leaders condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel and reaffirmed the G7's commitment to Israel's security."

In the photo, Biden can be seen in profile alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken with a screen showing G7 leaders including France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Apr 14, 2024, 12:21 PM EDT

Pope prays for calm in the Middle East after Iran attacks Israel

Pope Francis expressed concern Sunday over escalating violence in the Middle East and prayed the situation doesn't lead to an "even greater war conflict."

During his noontime prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, the pope said, "I am following in prayer and concern, even sorrow, the news that has come in the recent hours of the worsening of the situation because of intervention by Iran."

"I make a heartfelt appeal for a halt to any action that could feed a spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," Pope Francis said.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson

Apr 14, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT

Iranian president warns of 'heavier' response if Israel strikes again

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi claimed Sunday that Iran had taught Israel a lesson and warned of a "heavier" response to "any new adventures against the interests of the Iranian nation."

Iran said Israel was targeted in retaliation for its strike earlier this month on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, that killed a top Iranian military leader.

Demonstrators wave Iran's flag and Palestinian flags as they gather at Palestine Square in Tehran, Apr. 14, 2024, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel.
Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

"Following the instructions of Imam Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and with the support of the proud nation and the powerful armed forces of Islamic Iran, I emphasize that any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation will be responded with a heavier and regrettable response from the Islamic Republic of Iran," Raisi said.

-ABC News' Edward Szekeres

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