UN votes overwhelmingly to demand Gaza ceasefire
The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza and aid access, after the United States vetoed a similar effort in the Security Council last week.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted a resolution that also demands the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, the return of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The text garnered 149 votes in favour on Thursday, while 19 countries abstained and the US, Israel and 10 others voted against.
Australia voted in favour of the resolution.
The resolution 'strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians ... of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supply and access'.
Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, told the General Assembly this was 'blood libel'.
He had urged countries not to take part in what he said was a 'farce' that undermines hostage negotiations and fails to condemn Hamas.
'It must be acknowledged that by failing to condition a ceasefire on the release of the hostages, you told every terrorist organisation that abducting civilians works,' he said.
General Assembly resolutions are not binding but carry weight as a reflection of the global view on the war.
Previous demands by the body for an end to the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas have been ignored.
Unlike the UN Security Council, no country has a veto in the General Assembly.
Libya's UN ambassador Taher El-Sonni told the General Assembly before the vote that for 'those pressing the red button today to vote against this resolution (it) will become a blood stain on their fingers'.
The US last week vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution that also demanded an 'immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire' and unhindered aid access in Gaza, arguing it would undermine US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.
The other 14 member states voted in favour of the draft as a humanitarian crisis grips the enclave of more than two million people, where the UN warns famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade in May.
The vote came before a UN conference next week that aims to reinvigorate an international push for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians — a meeting the US is urging countries not to attend.
The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies.
Many of those killed or captured were civilians.
Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Votes for the resolution:
Australia
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cambodia
Canada
Chad
Chile
China
Colombia
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote D'Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominican Republic
Egypt
El Salvador
Eritrea
Estonia
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Honduras
Iceland
Indonesia
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao PDR
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Osman
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Republic of Moldova
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Tajikistan
Thailand
Trinidad-Tobago
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Türkiye
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Yemen
Zimbabwe
Votes against the resolution:
The United States
Israel
Argentina
Fiji
Hungary
Micronesia
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Tonga
Tuvalu
Abstentions:
Albania
Cameroon
Czechia
The Democratic Republic of Congo
Dominica
Ecuador
Ethiopia
Georgia
India
Kiribati
Malawi
Marshall Islands
North Macedonia
Panama
Romania
Slovakia
South Sudan
Timor-Leste
Togo
Did not vote:
Benin
Bolivia
Central African Republic
Comoros
Equatorial Guinea
Eswatini
Haiti
Madagascar
Samoa
Sao Tome-Principe
Venezuela
Zambia
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The Advertiser
27 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Not too late for Iran to halt Israeli attacks: Trump
Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action". Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action". Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action". Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action".
Sydney Morning Herald
33 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Israel attacks Iran LIVE updates: Explosions rumble in Tel Aviv as Iranian missiles strike in retaliation for attacks on nuclear sites
Latest posts Latest posts 5.50am Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu makes video address By Lachlan Abbott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just posted a video on social media in which he attempted to directly address the Iranian people. 'We are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion,' he said. 'The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years, threatens to destroy my country, the State of Israel. 'The objective of Israel's operation is to thwart the Islamic regime's nuclear and ballistic missile threat to us. As we achieve our objective we are also clearing the path for your objective, which is freedom.' Netanyahu claimed Israel had 'taken out' Iran's most significant nuclear enrichment facility and a 'large portion' of its ballistic missiles. 'More is on the way,' he said. 'The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them.' 5.35am Iranian missiles hit Israel Air raid sirens have sounded across Israel as Iranian missiles struck the country in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on nuclear sites and military leaders. The rumble of explosions could be heard throughout Jerusalem on Friday, and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv after an apparent missile strike. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iran 'crossed red lines' by firing missiles at civilian population centres and vowed it would pay a 'very heavy price'. The US military helped shoot down missiles that were headed toward Israel, two American officials told Reuters. Reuters 5.25am Welcome to our live coverage By Lachlan Abbott Good morning. I'm Lachlan Abbott, and I'll be with you today as the world braces for the possibility of all-out war in the Middle East after Israel's major strike on Iran yesterday. Already, a lot has happened while Australia slept. It is now just past 10pm in Tel Aviv. Here is what we know so far: Iran has launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on nuclear sites and military leaders. Explosions have just been heard in Jerusalem and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a recorded message to the nation that Israel 'started the war' and the Islamic Republic would 'not allow them to escape safely from this great crime'. US President Donald Trump urged Iran to quickly reach an agreement on curbing its nuclear program, telling followers on social media he tried to make a deal earlier but Iranian leaders 'just couldn't get it done'. He added: 'They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!'
7NEWS
38 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Iran launches wave of missiles at Israel as Donald Trump under pressure to solve escalating conflict between the foes
Iran has launched a wave of missiles at Israel in a revenge attack it vowed to inflict after some of its most powerful military and nuclear targets were destroyed. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had carried out attacks on 'dozens of targets, military centres and air bases' belonging to Israel. It said the operation was named 'True Promise 3' and that further details would be released. Iran's retaliatory strikes shook buildings in Israel and shut down streets in the city of Tel Aviv but Israel's Iron Dome managed to stop most of the missiles. Iran fired 'hundreds of various ballistic missiles' toward Israel, in what Tehran called the beginning of its 'crushing response' to Israeli attacks Friday morning, according to Iran's official news agency, IRNA. A day ago, Israel launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said 'the gates of hell will open' in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. 'Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation 'will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,' he said. On X, formerly Twitter, Netanyahu said Israel was working to secure its 'common future'. 'We are after a very successful opening strike. With G-d's help, we are going to have many more achievements,' he added. 'Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future.' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had 'unleashed its wicked and bloody' hand, and would suffer 'a bitter fate'. In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. 'I tried to save Iran humiliation and death,' Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: 'Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.' Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: 'The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime.' Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. 'People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified,' said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's 'unlawful' and 'cowardly' acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying 'dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers'. Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and 'prepared across all borders'. Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the 'dangerous course of action'.
