Israel Iran conflict: Territorian Nova Peris shares ‘extremely frightening’ situation in Israel bomb shelter

A former Olympian and politician is one of an Australian cohort bunkered down in Israel as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. LATEST.

Territorian Olympian Nova Peris has posted about the "extremely terrifying" situation in Israel after hours spent in bomb shelter. Image: X/ Nova Peris

A former Northern Territory Olympian and politician has described a terrifying night of bunkering down as Israel is hit with “unrelenting ballistic missile attacks” from Iran.

Nova Peris said she spent the early waking hours on Friday in a bomb shelter with 11 other Australians who are due to take part in a reception by the Israel-Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Chamber of Commerce on Sunday in Tel Aviv.

Australian Nova Peris has been posting from Israel during her visit. Picture: Facebook.

In a post on X on Saturday morning, Ms Peris described their last 24 hours – much of which has been spent in a shelter – as “deeply confronting”.

It follows as attacks between Israel and Iran have intensified after Israel carried out a major attack on Friday morning.

Posting about 2am from Israel, Ms Peris said the last five hours had been “extremely frightening and distressing”.

“We’ve witnessed the unrelenting ballistic missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and across Israel,” she wrote in the post.

“There have now been three waves of missiles fired directly from Iran, targeting civilians, destroying homes, and causing widespread devastation.

Territorian Olympian Nova Peris posted the system messages civilians have been receiving. Image: X/ Nova Peris

“Like so many here, we’re just doing what Israelis do every day, seeking shelter, staying strong, and praying for peace.

“We also stand with the two million Arab citizens of Israel who rely on the same protection from the IDF’s defence systems. This isn’t just about one people, it’s about humanity.”

She thanked everyone who had sent messages and asked people to keep Israel and its citizens in their prayers.

“We can’t wait to come home,” she added.

“But for now, we’re safe, in bomb shelters, we’re together, and our hearts are with all those living through this terror.”

When contacted regarding Ms Peris’s situation, NT Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, declined to comment.

Iran carried out retaliatory strikes a day after Israel killed top Iranian military leaders and scientists and targeted Tehran’s nuclear sites.

It follows the growing tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program with Israeli officials describing Friday’s attack as a “pre-emptive operation”, after Iran has been increasing its uranium enrichment which is used to power nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran fired three waves of missiles at Israel on Friday night and Saturday morning, some of which were intercepted.

Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept projectiles over Tel Aviv on Saturday, 14 June, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

It is understood the Australian Embassy located in Tel Aviv, Israel was closed on Friday as a result of the attacks, and Australians in the region were struggling to get support to return home.

The Daily Telegraph reported some Australians who were trying to leave Israel had lashed out as a result.

One frustrated citizen who is in an underground shelter in Tel Aviv and who did not wish to be named, said there did not seem to be any system in place to help Australians who wanted to leave.

“I hope there is something that they’re working on but they need to communicate it and put it into action ASAP,” they told the Sydney publication.

In the latest at the time of writing, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed to all arrivals and departures until further notice.

Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan have also closed their airspace.

An Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told the NT News the security situation across the Middle East was volatile and could “deteriorate without further notice”.

“Australians in Israel should shelter in place in the event of attacks, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor public safety information updates through local media and Israel’s National Emergency Portal,” they said.

“Australians in Iran should shelter in place and follow the advice of local authorities in affected areas.

“The safety of all Australians, including our diplomatic staff overseas, is our priority.

“The Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Australian Representative Office in Ramallah are currently closed to the public due to the volatile security situation. All calls are being directed to the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre. Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency Centre on [phone].”

Originally published as Israel Iran conflict: Territorian Nova Peris shares ‘extremely frightening’ situation in Israel bomb shelter