9 Killed in Direct Missile Strike in Beit Shemesh

At least nine people were killed, and 28 wounded, in a direct missile strike on a residential building in Beit Shemesh on Sunday following a deadly missile barrage from Iran.

At least nine people were killed in a direct missile strike on a residential building in Beit Shemesh on Sunday following a deadly missile barrage from Iran.

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service also said 28 people were wounded in the strike, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition. One person was listed in moderate condition and 14 were lightly wounded. Among the critically injured was a 10-year-old girl. Several of the lightly wounded were children. Some individuals were initially reported unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continued.

The direct hit occurred shortly before 2 p.m., when a missile slammed into the roof of a public shelter in the Old Beit Shemesh neighborhood. According to eyewitnesses, several of those killed had been inside the protected space at the time of impact.

Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem announced a mass casualty emergency as victims were rushed in for treatment. Medical officials and rescue personnel continue to express concern that additional individuals may be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Border Police forces are actively combing through the debris in an ongoing search effort.

Chaim Weingarten, Deputy Director of Operations for ZAKA, arrived at the scene within minutes of the strike. He described a heartbreaking sight of devastation and lives abruptly ended. ZAKA volunteers, he said, are working with utmost respect and dedication to care for the victims and carry out their sacred task despite the harrowing conditions.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom reported widespread destruction in the surrounding area, with multiple residential buildings sustaining heavy damage. Nati Ben Shimon, a paramedic with MDA’s motorcycle unit, said several victims were rescued after being trapped inside their apartments. Four were found in critical condition suffering from severe trauma.

Additional MDA teams treated two individuals listed in serious condition, along with others suffering moderate and minor injuries, as well as shock. A field triage station was established near the site to stabilize victims before transporting them swiftly to area hospitals.

Residents described scenes resembling an active war zone, with entire sections of the neighborhood reduced to rubble. One local resident said the shelter and nearby homes were completely destroyed, adding that it was hard to comprehend such devastation striking their community.

The Beit Shemesh Municipality confirmed fatalities and injuries and stated that emergency and city teams remain on site managing rescue operations. Officials urged the public to stay away from the area, warning that unnecessary crowds could endanger lives and hinder ongoing efforts.

In a separate incident during the same barrage, a man in his 50s sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel on a moshav in central Israel.

Never Miss a Headline!

Sign up for the COLlive Daily News Roundup and never miss a story

Opt In

• I would like to receive the collive newsletter

Follow Us!