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

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

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.


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.


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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


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


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.

"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


Child hit by shrapnel, IDF says

A 7-year-old girl injured in Iran's attack on Israel is reportedly the only casualty of the airstrikes, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said Sunday.

The girl was "severely injured by shrapnel," apparently from an intercepted missile, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said.

"We wish her a speedy recovery," Hagari said. "Other than her, as far as we know, there are no additional casualties."

Iran launched 300 "threats of various types" at Israel on Saturday, Hagari said, including 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more than 120 ballistic missiles and over 30 cruise missiles.

Hagari said 99% of the threats launched by Iran at Israel were intercepted by Israel's Aerial Defense Array and Israeli Air Force fighter jets, as well as "the aerial defense systems and aircraft of our partners." The "few" ballistic missiles that weren't intercepted fell at Nevatim Air Force Base, causing only minor damage, Hagari said, adding that the base remains operational.

(Editor’s note: Earlier, the IDF said the child was 10, but the hospital updated the information to confirm she is 7.)

-ABC News' Dana Savir