IDF says it killed Palestinian militant allegedly operating under Iran's intelligence services
Tel Aviv, March 16
The Israel Defence Forces informed that it has killed a Palestinian militant allegedly working on the directives of the Iranian intelligence. The Israelis claim that the deceased militant was attempting to advance terror attacks in Israel.
In a post on X, the Israeli defence forces on Sunday said, "ELIMINATED: Muhammad Majed Abd al-Salam Tawfiq Zidan, a Palestinian terrorist directed by the Iranian regime's intelligence."
The post added, "Zidan served as a key Palestinian terrorist who operated under the intelligence of the Iranian terror regime and attempted to advance terror attacks within Israel."
Earlier, the Israeli military announced that "a short while ago" its forces initiated "a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in western Iran", marking a major escalation in the regional conflict.
According to Al Jazeera, this offensive coincides with a sharp rise in medical emergencies, with Israel's Health Ministry reporting that 108 people were admitted to hospitals in the last 24 hours alone.
The ministry noted it does not currently "provide a breakdown of the causes of injuries". However, The Times of Israel suggested that many of these "might have been sustained by people trying to reach shelter" during sirens, rather than from direct fire.
This adds to a staggering toll since the war began on 28 February, with the ministry stating on X that "until this morning, 3,195 people have been admitted to hospitals", with "81 of whom are currently hospitalised".
In response to these persistent threats, Israeli air defences successfully neutralised two separate waves of missiles aimed at southern regions within the last hour.
Reports from Al Jazeera, citing Ynet News, confirmed these interceptions prevented harm to populated areas, while the Home Front Command noted no casualties from these specific incidents.
Simultaneously, sirens were activated across central Israel due to a projectile launched from Lebanon, which was also intercepted.
This followed earlier reports of "loud explosions" in the central region after a missile strike from Iran. Al Jazeera, quoting Channel 12, reported that falling debris was seen in central areas, where the ambulance service treated four people injured while rushing to shelters.
Despite the Home Front Command initially declaring the central incident over, the situation remains fluid. Authorities recently detected further rocket and missile fire targeting the south, prompting an urgent directive for residents to take shelter immediately.
This surge in aerial activity follows a high-profile Israeli Air Force (IAF) operation in Tehran that killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The regional implications are worrying for everyone. Iran's involvement deepens the conflict. As Indians, we know the cost of cross-border terrorism, but the scale of civilian suffering here, with people injured just rushing to shelters, is unacceptable.
Strikes inside Iran now? This is a major escalation. The world needs to step in for de-escalation before this spins completely out of control. The focus should be on dialogue, not more "eliminations."
The report says the Health Ministry doesn't provide a breakdown of injuries. Transparency is crucial in conflicts. It's hard to fully assess the situation without knowing how many are hurt by direct fire versus in the panic.
A sad day. Every life lost is a tragedy. Whether it's a militant or a civilian caught in the crossfire, the human cost is too high. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution. Hope diplomacy prevails soon.
The Israeli air defence seems very effective, intercepting missiles from multiple fronts. But living under constant sirens and the fear of falling debris... that's no way to live. My heart goes out to the ordinary people on the ground.
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