Fresh Bombing Wave Hits Iran as Australians Join Israel in Escalating Middle East Conflict
A fresh wave of bombings has been launched at Iran, with the country vowing to continue fighting as some Australians have chosen to join the conflict in support of Israel. Almost a week after joint US-Israeli strikes first hit Iran, the war continues to rage across the Middle East, with Israel launching a bombardment of strikes against Tehran and Hezbollah in Beirut.
Australian Volunteers on the Ground in Israel
On the scene to help was a 25-year-old Australian soldier known as "N" who came from Melbourne with another young woman known as "T" to Israel for the war. Neither of the Australians' identities can be revealed due to security concerns. Soldier N told 7NEWS chief reporter Chris Reason, "Confronting. Look, it's part of the work. I mean, this is something that we've been training for for a long time." He added that the Bondi Beach shooting in December last year, which killed 15 and injured 40 people, gave him more motivation to be there, stating, "With everything that happened in Bondi, it gave me more motivation to be here, and I think it's even more important now for an Australian representative to be out here."
For the other Australian who flew to Israel, she had a message for others: "I have the fitness, I have the ability, and I really believe that anyone who can, should," soldier T said. This highlights the personal commitment of individuals from Australia to the ongoing conflict.
Intensified Strikes and Casualties
Meanwhile, Tehran came under intense bombardment overnight after Israel said it launched another wave of strikes targeting the Iranian capital. The strikes have damaged more than 3000 homes across Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Israel has also continued its assault on Lebanon's capital of Beirut hours after it said it carried out a "broad-scale wave of strikes" overnight targeting Hezbollah sites in the city.
In Beit Shemesh, Israel, an Iranian missile obliterated part of the village, flattening an entire block and killing nine people. A bomb shelter was impacted by a half-tonne warhead which penetrated the roof, leaving rubble, twisted metal, and debris. Incredibly, most people survived, with those killed caught outside. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with significant damage reported.
Mass Displacement and Evacuations in Lebanon
An Israeli military warning to evacuate almost all of southern Beirut caused panic Thursday evening as people fled parts of the Lebanese capital. Lebanese authorities say 420,000 people are on the move after they were forced to evacuate their homes and head to the safety of the north of the country. Seventy people have been killed so far as the Israelis try and search out Hezbollah.
Lebanese people have reported that they're only being given an hour by the Israelis to pack their bags and get out of the south of the country. Anyone that lives within five kilometres of the border is being told to pack their bags and get out now, leading to widespread humanitarian concerns.
Iran's Response and Mediation Efforts
Iran has continued to retaliate, but ballistic missile attacks have sharply reduced, according to the US Central Command. Still, Iran said it launched a hybrid drone and missile attack against Israel overnight. Bahraini officials reported that a hotel and two residential buildings in the capital Manama were hit, and an Air France repatriation flight leaving the UAE Thursday evening was forced to return due to "missile fire in the area."
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, says that there are "mediation efforts" ongoing about the war in the Middle East. He stated, "Some countries had started mediating, without naming them. Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity and sovereignty. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict." This indicates potential diplomatic moves amid the escalating violence.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, with international involvement and local volunteers adding layers to the complex situation in the Middle East.
