Beersheba, Israel, June 24 (AP) - A fragile truce proposed by President Donald Trump is on shaky ground as Israeli authorities reported missile activities from Iran breaching Israel's airspace just hours after the ceasefire was initiated.
Midmorning on Tuesday, the peace was interrupted by explosions and sirens throughout northern Israel, reminiscent of the recent volatile days. Both nations had earlier endorsed a ceasefire plan intended to halt the intense 12-day conflict in the region.
After Tehran launched a retaliatory missile strike against a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday, the tension escalated with a subsequent missile assault on Israel. This assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals early Tuesday. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes across multiple Iranian positions before dawn.
Netanyahu's Ceasefire Acceptance Amid Crises
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel's commitment to the bilateral ceasefire with Iran, aligning with Trump's initiative. Netanyahu informed Israel's security cabinet that all military objectives had been achieved during the 12-day confrontation, including the dismantling of Iran's nuclear and missile programs. Israel claimed to have inflicted damage on Iran's military infrastructure and achieved air superiority over Tehran.
"Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire," Netanyahu declared.
Massive Israeli strikes on Iranian targets persisted until early Tuesday, while Iranian missile barrages compelled Israelis to seek safety in bomb shelters at dawn.
Trump Declares Ceasefire Enforcement
President Trump, posting on Truth Social over an hour past the ceasefire deadline, announced, "THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!" However, Iranian state media reported the ceasefire's implementation at 7:30 a.m., despite a lack of commentary from Iranian officials since Trump's confirmation.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned on social media that while there was no formal ceasefire agreement, Iran would halt its military responses if Israel ceased its operations no later than 4 a.m. Tehran time. Araghchi added, "The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later."
Iranian Assault Leaves 4 Dead in Israel
According to Israel's military, Iran launched 20 missiles at Israel prior to the ceasefire. Emergency services discovered four deceased individuals in Beersheba's residential areas. Initially, the casualty count was reported as higher before being revised.
The missile strike injured at least 20 people. Despite sheltering in fortified rooms designed to resist bombings, several residents were harmed.
Trump Asserts Ceasefire as War Grinds On
Trump's announcement of a "complete and total ceasefire" came after Iran's measured response to a U.S. military presence in Qatar, following American interventions at Iranian nuclear facilities. Advanced notice from Iran permitted the U.S. to evade casualties.
Trump labeled the hostilities as the "12 Day War," reminiscent of past Middle Eastern conflicts, adding a charged dimension for the Arab world, particularly Palestinians.
Direct communications between Trump and Netanyahu were instrumental in securing the ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff engaged with Iranian logisticians through varied communication channels, establishing the terms of peace.
With Qatar's assistance, the U.S. facilitated diplomatic negotiations while initially Qatari airspace was closed due to the regional threat. Flights have since resumed, indicating reduced tension over Qatar.
Conflict's Toll
The current conflict has claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals in Israel, injuring over 1,000. Human Rights Activists based in Washington report Iran has seen 974 casualties and 3,458 injuries, highlighting the conflict's civilian impact.
The U.S. initiated evacuations for approximately 250 U.S. citizens and their relatives, with ongoing flights out of the conflict zone, underscoring continued concerns for American nationals amid hostilities.
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