Residents across Israel have been forced to spend much of their days and nights in underground shelters since June 13, when Israel launched military strikes inside Iranian territory, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks by Tehran.
The escalation has brought daily life in many Israeli cities to a standstill. Air raid sirens continue to sound repeatedly across the country, sending residents scrambling for cover as Iranian missiles and drones target key locations. With the bombardment ongoing, many have opted to remain inside shelters overnight, avoiding the constant cycle of warnings and evacuations.
However, recent footage circulating on social media has revealed the growing fears among Israelis that even the underground shelters may no longer provide adequate protection. Videos filmed by residents show scenes of panic as sections of reinforced ceilings and walls collapsed during missile impacts, injuring those taking refuge below ground.
Iran’s military had earlier warned that its strikes would escalate and that civilians should leave the conflict zone. “Do not assume that underground shelters will save you,” Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson Colonel Reza Sayyad warned on Sunday, calling on Israelis to leave the occupied territories entirely and accusing the Israeli government of using civilians as “human shields.”
The current conflict was sparked when Israel carried out strikes inside Iranian territory overnight on June 13, including attacks on residential areas that resulted in civilian casualties. Several senior Iranian military commanders were also reportedly killed in targeted strikes.
In response, Iran’s leadership vowed a forceful retaliation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed new senior military commanders and warned that Israel would face significant consequences. Since then, Iran has launched waves of missile attacks on major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Despite tight restrictions on wartime reporting by Israeli authorities, numerous videos have emerged showing Iranian missiles striking their targets with apparent precision. Iranian officials have stated that the operations will continue “as long as necessary.”
As the conflict intensifies, fears are mounting over the humanitarian cost on both sides, and international efforts for de-escalation have yet to yield progress.
