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's message to Iran on possible strike on Israel: 'Don't'

President Joe Biden told reporters he expects an Iranian strike on Israel to occur "sooner than later."

Asked for his message to Iran in this moment, Biden was blunt, saying simply: "Don't."

Asked by ABC News if the U.S. would respond, he said, "We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed."

-ABC News' Mary Bruce


Iran has readied over 100 cruise missiles for possible strike on Israel: US officials

U.S. officials continue to see indicators that Iran could be ready to attack Israel with missile and drone strikes.

Iran has readied a large number of missiles for a possible strike, according to three U.S. officials. Two of the officials said that Iran has readied more than 100 cruise missiles for a possible strike. Iran has also readied a sizeable number of drones that could be used in an attack on Israel, according to one official.

The officials said that Iran has been readying the missiles and drones over the last week.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez


1 dead after settlers storm West Bank village: Palestinian Health Ministry

At least one person is dead and 18 others injured after Israeli settlers allegedly stormed the village of Al-Mughayir in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Some 1,500 settlers burned more than 40 homes and vehicles in the village, according to Marzouq Abu Naim, the deputy mayor of the Al-Mughir Village Council.

The Israel Defense Forces said that "violent riots" erupted in the area while forces searched for a missing 14-year-old boy.

"During the incident, rocks were hurled at IDF soldiers, who responded with fire. Hits were identified," the IDF said in a statement. "Furthermore, IDF and Israel Border Police forces operated to withdraw Israeli civilians who entered the town of Al Mughayyir."

The crowds have since dispersed and there are no longer any Israeli civilians present within the town, the IDF said.


EU countries sanction 3 terrorist group wings over Oct. 7 sexual and gender-based violence

The European Union has sanctioned three terrorist group wings for "widespread sexual and gender-based violence" that occurred in Israel on Oct. 7, the EU Council said.

The sanctioned entities are the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad; Nukhba Force, a Hamas special forces unit; and the Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas are designated as terrorist organizations by the EU.

"Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze, and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit, is prohibited," the EU Council said.


US effort to build humanitarian pier off Gaza expected to top $180M

President Joe Biden's plan to use the military to build a giant pier off the coast of Gaza to deliver food, water and medicine will cost at least $180 million and could top $200 million, ABC News has learned.

The price tag was described by two people familiar with the initial estimate, which has not been released by U.S. Central Command.

The price tag is expected to fluctuate as U.S. officials scramble to finalize key details on the project, including which humanitarian organizations and foreign governments are willing to help carry the shipments to shore and distribute them.

The floating dock is expected to be nearly the size of a football field -- about 97 feet wide and 270 feet long -- stationed about 3 miles offshore. Container ships would screen their cargo in Cyprus before taking it to the floating dock and unloading it. From there, the aid would be moved aboard small Army ferries that would transport it to an 1,800-foot "trident" pier that connects to shore.

Officials also continue to discuss how to protect the service members who will be 3 miles offshore, where Hamas is believed to still operate.

The project -- which triggered the deployment of six Army and Navy ships and will involve some 1,000 U.S. military troops -- is on track to become operational in early May, enabling the delivery of some 2 million meals per day.

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-ABC News’ Anne Flaherty and Luis Martinez