Gen Z on Vacation Captures Moment Hundreds of Missiles Fly Toward Israel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
While enjoying a poolside drink on vacation, 20-year-old British tourist Sapphire Beard-Griffith noticed bright streaks cutting across the sky in Paphos, Cyprus.
What first appeared to be atmospheric anomalies soon became clear: more than 300 kilometers [186 miles] away, Iranian ballistic missiles were streaking toward Israel in a massive, multi-wave attack.
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply in June after Israel launched a major airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. On Friday, June 13, Iran retaliated with a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting cities across Israel.
Iran launched "over 100" ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv in a counterattack named "Operation True Promise III." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that most of the Iran's missiles were intercepted by air defense systems, though some struck buildings and at least 34 people were injured in the center of Tel Aviv.
Beard-Griffith was on the terrace on her villa's poolside in Paphos when she captured footage of the glowing streaks overhead—an eerie sight against the tranquil backdrop of her Cyprus getaway.
Pictures from the viral video of the moment the missiles were seen from the villa in Cyprus.
Pictures from the viral video of the moment the missiles were seen from the villa in Cyprus.
@sapphire_g5/TikTok
"[I felt] a mix of fear and disbelief, I never expected to see something like that so close to home," Beard-Griffith told Newsweek.
After capturing the video, Beard-Griffith shared the moment on TikTok where it has since been viewed over 3 million times, shocking viewers across the world.
"That's so saddening. The thought of all those civilians caught up in it," said viewer Sarah.
"Now imagine what its like being the ones that the bombs come to," said Healy. While viewer Jeanette Teresa wrote: "This would have broken my heart to see."
"The reaction has been overwhelming, and it's sparked some important conversations which I'm glad about," said Beard-Griffith.
Now five days since the video was captured from Cyprus, the conflict is entering its sixth day. Israel continues its military campaign against Iranian targets, with airstrikes hitting nuclear facilities and defense ministry sites in Tehran.
Iran has retaliated using drones and missiles—though at a reduced scale after Israel destroyed many of its launchers.
President Donald Trump is weighing direct military involvement, having already deployed additional fighter jets and naval resources to the Middle East. While he initially urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal, he has since demanded "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" from Tehran. Intelligence reports indicate Iran is preparing to strike U.S. bases in the region if America joins Israel's operation.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned Israel's attacks, warning that any U.S. intervention would lead to "irreparable damage."
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