Iran Missile Strikes Jerusalem Near Al-Aqsa, Haifa Refinery Hit Amid US-Iran War
Israel claims an Iranian missile struck near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid-ul-Fitr, sharing video evidence. This incident, along with an Iranian missile attack on an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa, occurred amidst an escalating US-Iran conflict, with the US reporting extensive military actions against Iran.
Key Highlights
- Iranian missile reportedly struck near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid.
- Israel shared video evidence, though authenticity not independently verified by HT.
- One person sustained minor injuries in Jerusalem attack, Eid prayers restricted.
- Iranian missiles also hit an oil refinery in Haifa, causing minor damage.
- US and Israel are engaged in broader military conflict with Iran.
- US claims extensive strikes against Iran, including naval assets.
An Iranian missile attack reportedly struck near Jerusalem's revered Al-Aqsa Mosque on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, as claimed by Israel, intensifying the already heightened tensions in the Middle East. The incident, which Israel's foreign ministry directly attributed to Tehran, reportedly occurred just a few hundred metres from significant holy sites for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Israel released a video purportedly showing the projectile landing and exploding, sending a large plume of smoke into the sky near the mosque, though Hindustan Times noted it had not independently verified the footage.
According to Israeli authorities, debris was scattered across a nearby road in the Jewish Quarter, leading to police cordoning off the affected area after multiple loud blasts. AFP journalists reported visible damage in the vicinity of key religious landmarks. Eyewitnesses described a sudden impact, with one resident observing an object falling from the sky followed by a loud explosion and white smoke. Israeli police confirmed one person sustained minor injuries and was evacuated. Notably, Muslim worshippers were barred from entering the Al-Aqsa compound for Eid prayers on the day of the strike, adding to the gravity of the situation.
This strike on Jerusalem is part of a broader and rapidly escalating military conflict referred to as the 'US-Iran war,' which has seen significant military engagements from all sides. The United States has claimed to have conducted extensive operations, striking over 8,000 targets and reportedly eliminating Iran's navy, an effort described as the largest since World War II. Concurrently, Israel has launched a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran, following Iranian missile fire at Israel. Iran's Natanz nuclear facility was also reported to be targeted in fresh US-Israel strikes.
Just two days prior to the Jerusalem incident, on March 19, 2026, an Iranian missile attack targeted Israel's Oil Refineries in the northern port city of Haifa. While the attack did not cause 'significant damage' to the main production facilities, it resulted in localised hits to electrical infrastructure and briefly disrupted power. Israel's Energy Ministry stated that electricity was restored to most affected customers within approximately 45 minutes. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for this attack, asserting it had targeted refineries in Haifa and Ashdod, along with various security targets and military support centres of the 'Zionist regime'. No casualties were reported in the Haifa refinery attack. The owner of the refinery, Oil Refineries Ltd, confirmed 'localised hits' to electrical infrastructure supplying a service facility and an open area, stating that essential infrastructure was damaged but most production facilities were operating or being restarted.
The ongoing conflict is further highlighted by statements from Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who, in his Eid and Nowruz message, acknowledged the war and praised his country's 'relentless resistance' to 'global arrogance,' indicating Iran's firm stance amidst the hostilities. This series of events underscores a severe and active conflict between Iran and Israel, with significant US involvement, holding profound implications for regional stability and global geopolitical dynamics. The news, originating from the Hindustan Times, provides live updates on these critical international developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid-ul-Fitr?
Israel claimed that an Iranian missile struck near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid-ul-Fitr. Israel provided video evidence and reported that the projectile landed just a few hundred metres from major holy sites. One person sustained minor injuries, and Muslim worshippers were restricted from entering the Al-Aqsa compound for Eid prayers.
Was there also an attack on an Israeli oil refinery?
Yes, an Iranian missile attack hit Israel's Oil Refineries in Haifa on March 19, 2026. This caused localized damage to electrical infrastructure and a brief power disruption, but no significant damage to production facilities or casualties were reported.
What is the broader context of these attacks?
These attacks are part of an escalating and active 'US-Iran war'. The United States has reportedly struck over 8,000 targets and eliminated Iran's navy, while Israel has launched strikes on Tehran and its Natanz nuclear facility has been targeted. Iran's Supreme Leader has affirmed the country's 'relentless resistance' in this conflict.
What is the significance of the attack near Al-Aqsa Mosque?
The attack near Al-Aqsa Mosque is highly significant due to its immense religious importance to Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Occurring on Eid-ul-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday, it represents a severe escalation of hostilities in an already volatile region and carries significant geopolitical and religious implications.
How did the international community react to these developments?
While the articles detail the actions and claims of the involved parties (US, Iran, Israel), they do not specifically detail broader international reactions from other countries or organizations beyond the immediate conflict. However, a conflict of this magnitude involving major global powers and sensitive religious sites would undoubtedly draw widespread international concern and condemnation.
