Sirens Sound Across Israel, State Of Emergency Declared Amid Iranian Retaliatory Missile Strikes

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 14:09 IST

Rocket sirens sounded across Israel as millions rushed to shelters amid fears of an Iranian missile attack following US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Rocket sirens rang out across Israel as the country was placed under a ‘state of emergency’ on Saturday, sending millions of civilians rushing toward shelters as fears mounted of an Iranian missile attack following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Authorities instructed residents nationwide to remain close to protected spaces, while air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats.

Social media posts circulating widely showed alerts sounding across multiple regions, with users reporting that sirens were heard from northern Israel to central areas.

Posts described civilians running to bunkers and protected rooms as emergency warnings flashed across mobile devices, underscoring the scale of the nationwide alert.

The Israeli military confirmed that sirens were sounded as a proactive measure amid the possibility of ballistic missiles being launched toward Israeli territory.

HOSPITALS MOVE PATIENTS TO SHELTERS

Israel’s healthcare system shifted into emergency mode as tensions escalated.

According to a China Daily report, the alert level of all hospitals was raised to the highest level after attacks in Iran, prompting authorities to transfer hospitalised patients into shelters and cancel all non-urgent medical activity.

Several hospitals implemented wartime protocols, relocating surgeries and vulnerable patients to fortified underground areas in anticipation of possible retaliatory strikes.

Emergency preparedness measures reflected growing concern that Israel could face sustained missile fire.

At the same time, Israeli authorities shut civilian airspace, while schools and workplaces were closed except for essential services.

US-ISRAEL STRIKES TRIGGER ESCALATION

The heightened alert in Israel followed large-scale military operations carried out earlier Saturday against Iran.

The United States and Israel launched attacks targeting Iranian military and government-linked sites, with the first apparent strike occurring near offices associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

Witnesses reported explosions across the Iranian capital, and smoke was seen rising from multiple locations.

Roads leading to Khamenei’s compound were shut down, while Iranian authorities halted air traffic and disrupted mobile phone services.

Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that Washington had begun “major combat operations in Iran," signalling a significant escalation in the long-running confrontation over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has not released casualty figures, but officials warned previously that American military personnel and bases in the region could be targeted in retaliation.

ISRAEL CALLS STRIKE ‘PRE-EMPTIVE’

Israel described the operation as a “pre-emptive attack" conducted after months of planning in coordination with Washington.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation was carried out “to remove threats to the State of Israel."

An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was preparing a “crushing retaliation," while another source said Supreme Leader Khamenei had been moved to a secure location outside the capital.

The developments marked a sharp deterioration following renewed diplomatic negotiations earlier this year aimed at resolving disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities.

NUCLEAR DISPUTE AND REGIONAL TENSIONS

Tensions have been building for months over Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme and ballistic missile capabilities.

Washington has sought restrictions on uranium enrichment, while Israel has pushed for dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure entirely.

Iran has insisted it has the right to pursue nuclear enrichment and has refused to link negotiations to its missile programme or regional alliances.

Tehran has repeatedly warned that any military strike would trigger retaliation across the region.

The current escalation follows a previous 12-day air war between Israel and Iran, highlighting the fragile security environment and raising fears of a broader regional conflict involving multiple actors.

INDIA ISSUES ADVISORY AS SECURITY SITUATION DETERIORATES

Amid the rapidly evolving situation, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise “utmost caution" and remain vigilant.

Citizens were advised to strictly follow Israeli Home Front Command guidelines, stay close to designated shelters and avoid all non-essential travel.

The Embassy also asked nationals to monitor official announcements and provided a 24-hour emergency helpline for assistance.

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