'It is dreadful': Nearly 700 injured, 18 killed in four days of Iranian strikes, reports Israeli media

June 16, 2025 by News Desk

In four days of escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, at least 681 people have been injured, with 18 fatalities reported, according to figures published by Israeli media. These numbers reflect confirmed statistics from June 13 to June 16, during which Iran launched missile and drone attacks across multiple Israeli cities.

All injury and death counts are drawn solely from Israeli outlets including Times of Israel, Walla News, Channel 12, Magen David Adom, and the Israeli Health Ministry.

On June 13, Magen David Adom reported 22 people injured in missile strikes across central Israel, with two suffering serious wounds, marking the opening salvo of this round of attacks.

The following day saw a sharp increase in casualties. Walla News reported 172 injured and three killed after a missile struck a residential building in Rishon LeZion. Locals there expressed a firm backing for Israel’s military response despite the losses. “While material losses are painful, national security remains the priority,” one resident remarked.

By June 15, missile barrages had spread to Bat Yam, Tel Aviv, Rehovot, and Jerusalem. The Times of Israel noted around 200 injuries, while Magen David Adom described it as one of their most demanding emergency operations, with seven fatalities confirmed.

June 16 brought the most devastating day so far. The Israeli Health Ministry, as cited by the Times of Israel, reported 287 injuries and eight deaths in strikes that hit major urban centers, including Tel Aviv.

The horror of these attacks was palpable among residents. One Rishon LeZion local in the midst of rescue operations told Reuters, “It’s very dreadful. It’s not fun. People are losing their lives and their homes,” conveying the deep trauma inflicted by the bombardments.

In Tel Aviv, Chef Guydo Tetelbaun spoke of the fear gripping citizens as sirens blared: “It’s terrifying because it’s so unknown… the unknown is the scariest.” Another local, Narkis Safonov, whose Bat Yam home survived a direct hit, vowed, “We will resist fear,” with Sigalit Navarro echoing the sentiment of quiet determination amid constant alarms.

Despite the agony and fatigue felt across affected communities, a resolute spirit endures. Weakness is not an option, say many, even as daily life is punctuated by fear, looting, loss, and the dread of what may come next.

All figures and personal accounts in this report come exclusively from Israeli media sources.