‘We had 90 seconds’: GB News regular reports from Tel Aviv shelter after mad dash for safety from Iranian missiles

“About 20 minutes ago, the sirens went off here in Tel Aviv and all our phones got a critical alert”, Butterworth said.

“It said we had 90 seconds to get into the protected area. Everyone made it safely down. For Israelis that live here, the nature of this is fairly usual but this is unusual.

“There is definitely tension in the air.”

The barrage prompted air raid sirens across the nation, sending civilians rushing to bomb shelters. According to reports, the missiles were primarily targeted at central Israel, including Tel Aviv and the surrounding Gush Dan region.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Inflation alert: Oil prices rise as Israel-Iran conflict heats up - 'Unfortunate for economy!'
• UK has 'no plans' to protect Israel from barrage of Iranian drones despite stepping in last October
• Iran launches 'hundreds' of retaliatory strikes against Israel as IDF issues warning to shelter

The assault represents Iran's response to recent Israeli military operations against Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

Israel's air defence systems engaged the incoming threats, with interceptor missiles illuminating the night sky above major cities. Multiple interceptions were recorded near Jerusalem and central Israel as the defensive systems attempted to counter the barrage.

Despite these efforts, several missiles breached the protective shield. Video footage from Tel Aviv's city centre showed multiple impacts, with at least one missile or intercepted debris striking near a tower block and sparking a blaze.

Security cameras and livestreams documented at least two direct hits in the Tel Aviv area. Iranian state media broadcast the attack live, characterising the missile barrage as retaliation for what it called "relentless Zionist aggression."

Emergency responders are currently assessing the extent of damage across Tel Aviv, with Magen David Adom teams actively searching seven reported impact sites throughout the city. Additional strikes were confirmed in Ramat Gan, where residents witnessed missiles penetrating the defensive systems.

Footage from the attacks revealed significant damage, including fires ignited by missile strikes or falling debris near residential buildings. Despite the scale of the assault, initial reports suggest casualties have been minimal.

MDA reported that their emergency dispatch centre had not received immediate calls following the first wave of attacks, though medical teams have treated several individuals for minor injuries sustained during the bombardment.

As emergency teams continue their assessment, the Israel Defense Forces issued a stark warning just before midnight, alerting civilians that a second wave of ballistic missiles had been launched from Iran. The military indicated these projectiles were expected to strike within minutes.

The IDF urged all residents to remain in bomb shelters and strictly adhere to Home Front Command instructions whilst air defence systems continued engaging incoming threats. The warning underscored the ongoing nature of the crisis, with Israeli authorities preparing for sustained attacks.

The unprecedented scale of Friday night's assault has left the region bracing for further escalation as the situation remains fluid.