Iran Strikes Israel Just Hours Before Cease-Fire Agreement

A deadly missile strike from Iran killed at least four people in Beersheba as a cease-fire between the nations was set to take effect, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

In a dramatic turn of events, a missile fired from Iran struck an apartment block in Beersheba, Israel early Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals. This attack occurred mere hours before both countries, following U.S. mediation led by President Trump, announced a tentative cease-fire agreement.

Israeli authorities reported that the missile was part of a broader assault, with around 20 missiles launched across Israel in multiple waves surrounding the cease-fire announcement. Israeli forces responded with airstrikes, targeting missile launch sites in western Iran.

The Beersheba strike, occurring just after sunrise, was one of the most lethal Iranian missile attacks since hostilities reignited on June 13. Both nations have exchanged heavy fire, with Iran allegedly launching more than 500 missiles and over 1,000 drones against Israel since the conflict began. The violent exchange has led to increasing casualties on both sides, including 28 deaths in Israel from Iranian fire, and reportedly hundreds in Iran from Israeli strikes.

Images broadcast on Israeli television revealed extensive damage to the residential complex, highlighting the toll this conflict has taken on civilians. In one notably terrifying account, Victoria Shifrin, a resident of the affected building, described the chaos as she and her family took refuge in their safe room. "We understood it struck here," Shifrin recounted, recalling the moment of impact that blew in the door of their fortified room.

Authorities are currently engaged in search and rescue efforts in the aftermath, combing through debris for potential survivors, as the civilian toll mounts in this ongoing conflict.