Israelis describe fear, chaos as Iran’s missiles smash their homes in day three of their growing war with Iran and other Islamic countries who have shown interest in supporting Iran against Israel, alleged to have backing from the United States of America and other European countries.
Three people have been killed and dozens wounded as Iranian missiles struck central Israel, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict. A family was trapped for two hours in a high-rise safe room in Tel Aviv, while in Rishon Lezion, a three-month-old baby was rescued from beneath rubble following a direct missile impact.
Footage circulating on social media captured the devastation across central Israel in the early hours of June 14, 2025. Scenes from Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Rishon Lezion revealed collapsed structures, frantic rescues, and shaken civilians. One photo showed a police officer cradling a three-month-old child pulled from the debris; others showed the evacuation of toddlers and the drone footage of widespread damage.
Residents spoke of the terror as air raid sirens sounded, prompting millions to rush into safe rooms and bomb shelters. Despite Israeli air defense systems intercepting most of the missiles, several high-powered warheads made impact, causing significant destruction.
“We shut the door, started watching the news through the computer, and suddenly there was a boom so loud that the whole building teetered,” said Tali Horesh, a Tel Aviv resident. Speaking to Ynet, she described how smoke filled her apartment moments later. “The entire living room was full of smoke, and we went back to the safe room.” Horesh and her family remained there for two hours until rescue workers reached them. She added, “On the lower floors the destruction was massive… doors tossed aside, a mess. The lobby was totally ruined.”
Rescue teams, including IDF Home Front Command soldiers, police, firefighters, engineers, and medics with sniffer dogs, worked through the night to find survivors. Colonel (res.) Michael David, commander of the Tel Aviv district, told Ynet that although his teams are trained for such emergencies, the scale of destruction was unprecedented. “It’s a Sisyphic task that can take hours,” he said, emphasizing the difficulty of searching large high-rise buildings with hundreds of residents. “We won’t leave until we’ve ensured everyone is accounted for.”
Another missile struck a residential building in Ramat Gan, injuring several people and damaging nearby structures. First responders rushed to evacuate survivors, including one woman who was critically injured and later died in hospital.
Further south, Rishon Lezion also faced heavy bombardment. The overnight attack killed 73-year-old Yisrael Aloni and another unidentified woman. At least 20 others sustained injuries. Amid the chaos, a baby girl was pulled from the rubble and handed to a police officer.
“I pulled her into my arms and then gave her to the first police officer I saw,” said Fire and Rescue Service Captain Idan Chen, recounting the harrowing rescue to Walla News. “As we were doing this, there were people trapped in the home above and next door… and opposite there was a fire. I’m trying to manage the incident amid complete destruction.” The baby suffered only minor injuries.
Local residents described the fear that gripped their communities. Avi Gatenio, a father from Rishon Lezion, said, “The kids and I were sleeping, my wife’s abroad. The moment there was a siren, we flew down to the safe room.” Minutes later, a muffled explosion shook the area. “I went outside and saw damage everywhere. I helped an elderly couple out of the rubble so nothing else collapses on them… then went back to the kids, because they were frightened.”
“Thank God, nothing happened to us, we didn’t even get a scratch,” he said, pointing to broken glass on the ground. “Glass like that can hit a kid’s artery and kill them.”
Iran launched the strikes in retaliation for Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities, missile production centers, and senior military figures. Reports suggest dozens were killed in Iran during those strikes, with hundreds wounded, and operations still ongoing.
Israel’s military campaign is part of a long-standing effort to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability. While Iran denies any intention to build nuclear arms, it continues to enrich uranium up to 60% purity — just shy of weapons-grade — raising international concern. Iranian leaders have repeatedly declared their intent to destroy Israel, intensifying the already volatile regional standoff.
