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Israelis converge on downed Iranian missiles - to take pictures

By Chris Zappone

Israelis are posing for pictures with downed Iranian missiles, while hostilities in the region continue to spiral.

Pictures from wire news agencies show Israelis near the community of Arad in a desert area, about 25 kilometres west of the Dead Sea.

Onlookers were intrigued by the Iranian missile.

Onlookers were intrigued by the Iranian missile.Credit: AP

On Wednesday (AEST), Iran fired about 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Iran-friendly Hezbollah.

The pictures appear to show curious onlookers who came to inspect the downed projectiles.

The large-scale missile attack against Israel hit some targets, while other missiles were intercepted by Israel’s extensive anti-missile and anti-drone defence systems.

The interceptions resulted in debris falling to the ground.

A group of people stand near the remains of a missile near the Dead Sea, Israel.

A group of people stand near the remains of a missile near the Dead Sea, Israel. Credit: Getty Images

Details on the missile strikes and scale of destruction remain scant because Israeli censorship laws limit what the public can publish on the matter.

The London-based Middle East Eye reported that “Israel closed off several military zones and barred the publication of reporting on where missiles hit the ground”.

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However, the photos show that several large missiles were downed over a desert area.

Iran launched a major missile attack against Israel in April, using drones and older missiles. However, the attack this month used advanced missiles.

People investigate the remains of a missile near the Dead Sea, Israel.

People investigate the remains of a missile near the Dead Sea, Israel. Credit: Getty Images

Israel has vowed to retaliate for Iran’s ballistic missile attack.

Israel is currently fighting a two-front war, against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and the ongoing fight against Hamas, in Gaza.

The regional escalation began with Hamas’ October 7 attack into southern Israel, when Palestinian militants killed some 1200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 250 people hostage.

Some 100 have not yet been released, about 65 of whom are believed to be alive.

with wires

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/world/middle-east/israelis-pose-for-pictures-with-downed-iranian-missiles-20241003-p5kfkg.html