- Sirens sounded in northern Israel as Iranian missiles were launched before a ceasefire
- A test ceasefire was agreed until 7 pm local time, with Israel awaiting Tehran's response
- At least four people died in Beer Sheva after an Iranian missile hit a residential building
Sirens sound in northern Israel as the army warned of incoming Iranian missiles, hours after both countries agreed to a ceasefire on Tuesday. Israeli media earlier reported that a test ceasefire was in effect till 7 pm local time, during which Israel would not initiate any military operation. The Jewish State said it would watch the response of Tehran before announcing a longer ceasefire.
With the new wave of missiles launched by Israel, the question looms whether Israel will continue with the ceasefire agreement post 7 pm.
Earlier in the day, Tehran and Jerusalem accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end their 12-day war that roiled the Middle East. But the ceasefire with Israel came into effect following several waves of Iranian attacks on Israeli-occupied territories.
At least four people were killed in the Southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheva on Tuesday morning after an Iranian missile hit a residential building. The launches came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would stop its attacks if Israel ended their airstrikes.
A video has emerged from Be'er Sheva, which shows the residential complex being completely destroyed by the Iranian missile. The clip shows remains of burnt cars and trees outside the building where the warhead had hit.
⚡️Be'er Sheba pic.twitter.com/ajHQBpGaDK
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 24, 2025
Iranian state media said Tehran launched five waves of missiles at Israel, moments before a ceasefire between the two Middle East foes was expected to begin. "The fifth wave of this morning's missile attack from Iran is on its way to the occupied territories," Irib posted on Telegram just before 4:00 am GMT.
The adversaries had been swapping missile fire since Israel carried out surprise "preemptive" strikes against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites, and prompting Trump to warn of a possible "massive" regional conflict.
Trump's Ceasefire Announcement
Earlier, Israel's military said that it was working to intercept Iranian missiles launched a "short while ago", without specifying the exact time of the attack.
"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the Israeli military said in a statement posted to Telegram around 5:00 am Iranian Time (2:00 am GMT).
US President Donald Trump had announced that a staggered ceasefire between Israel and Iran would begin around 4:00 am GMT, with Tehran halting operations first.
Though there was no immediate confirmation from Israel on ending the conflict, Iran's foreign minister said Tehran did not intend to continue its strikes if Israel stopped its attacks.
Israel's Early Warning To Citizens
Despite nightly missile barrages, Israel's casualty toll has remained relatively low, with authorities repeatedly stressing the importance of taking cover in life-saving protected spaces.
Israeli residents receive blaring phone alerts via SMS to warn them of incoming Iranian missiles, often in the early hours of the morning. These are often followed by the wail of overhead air raid sirens.
The alerts caution residents to rush to the safe shelters closest to their homes. For those with no safe shelters near their homes, the city's underground stations and car parks have become vital refuges since the war began on June 13.
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