Bnei Brak, Israel — A wave of Iranian missile strikes aimed at Israeli civilian areas has resulted in multiple casualties, including the tragic death of 75-year-old Avraham Cohen from Bnei Brak. The ongoing assaults, part of a military operation dubbed Operation Rising Lion, have left a total of 24 confirmed dead and 592 others injured.
Among the victims from Bat Yam are Michael Nachum, 61, a father of four, and Meir Waknin, 56, who had three children. Local authorities reported that rescue teams recovered additional bodies from the rubble early Monday, raising the Bat Yam death toll to eight. Among the deceased is 94-year-old Blina Ashkenazi, whose family members suffered injuries and are currently hospitalized.
As rescue efforts persist, officials suspect that additional victims may still be trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings. The fatalities in Bat Yam include individuals of varying ages, such as a teenager, a child, and a senior citizen. Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of “significant destruction,” with emergency responders working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the wreckage.
Magen David Adom has mobilized medical teams to evacuate the injured, with reports indicating that of those treated, 10 are in serious condition. Among the 36 individuals in moderate condition, one woman faces critical injuries, including severe facial trauma.
At Schneider Children’s Medical Center, 17 children injured during the strikes in Petah Tikva are receiving care, with one child in moderate condition and the rest sustaining lighter injuries. Tragically, a 10-year-old is in critical condition at a separate facility.
The devastation has not only claimed lives but also caused extensive property damage. In Bnei Brak, emergency teams discovered an 80-year-old man among the ruins, with reports confirming no signs of life. Authorities have indicated that the attacks have targeted densely populated areas, causing widespread fear and panic.
In the city of Haifa, rescue operations are ongoing, with three individuals reported missing following the missile strikes. Officials have confirmed their deaths, further raising the urgency for continued rescue and recovery efforts.
The violence has also impacted local political figures, including Knesset member Hanoch Milwidsky, whose home suffered damage, although no family members were harmed. The ongoing conflict has reignited discussions concerning regional security and civilian safety, as residents grapple with the harsh realities of the current situation.