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Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: Large blast seen in southern Beirut

Israeli strikes have largely been focused on Beirut's southern suburbs.

ByNadine El-Bawab, Emily Shapiro, David Brennan, Julia Reinstein, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: October 3, 2024, 5:19 PM EDT

Israel continued its intense airstrike campaign across Lebanon, which included several strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs and one in the center of the city.

Israel's Lebanon operation continues as leaders consider their response to Iran's long-range attack on Tuesday, in which hundreds of missiles were fired into the country, according to Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

Iran said the unprecedented attack was retaliation for a wave of assassinations carried out by Israel over the last several weeks targeting Hezbollah, including leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Sirens sounded across Israel and some citizens were urged to seek shelter in protected areas. Most of the missiles were intercepted, but "several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed," an Israeli security official said.

The U.S. fired missiles to help Israel defend itself against the missile attack, according to the Pentagon's Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 01, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT

IDF warns some citizens to enter 'protected space'

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari issued remarks Tuesday evening, announcing that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel.

He said messages have been sent to cellphones, warning Israeli citizens in certain areas to enter "protected space" and to seek shelter if they hear sirens.

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in central Israel, Oct. 1, 2024.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

Hagari added that if citizens hear explosions, they may be the result of interceptions or impacts.

"We are strong and can handle this event as well," Hagari said. "The IDF is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to protect the civilians of Israel. The IDF is fully prepared for both defense and offense at peak readiness."

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Oct 01, 2024, 12:54 PM EDT

Flights diverting near Iran

Several flights near Iran are diverting ahead of expected missile launches at targets in Israel.

Several Lufthansa flights and one Swiss Air flight were diverted back to Frankfurt, Germany, and Turkey as they approached Iranian air space.

-ABC News' Sam Sweeney

Oct 01, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT

IDF says missiles launched from Iran toward Israel

Israel said missiles have been launched from Iran toward Israel.

Sirens are sounding across the country.

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv, Oct. 1, 2024.
Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

Oct 01, 2024, 12:20 PM EDT

Israel expecting 240-250 missiles from Iran: Sources

Iran is expected to launch 240 to 250 missiles in two waves at four targets in Israel, including Mossad headquarters and three air bases, according to an Israeli source and a senior U.S. administration official.

Israel is not expected to launch a preemptive strike, according to the U.S. administration official. It should take the missiles less than 15 minutes to reach targets once launched.

The U.S. and Israel have all defenses activated, and Israel will “absolutely “ retaliate after it happens," the official said.

The total number of ballistic missiles is about double the number launched by Iran in April -- 99% of which were intercepted.

-ABC News' Martha Raddatz

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