Afghanistan, April 1 -- Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles toward northern and southern Israel early Wednesday, in a significant escalation of the ongoing confrontation between the two regional rivals. The new barrage came just hours after earlier Iranian missiles reportedly struck central Israel, raising fears of a broader and more destructive phase in the conflict.

Israeli media reported that the missiles hit at least four locations across the country, causing damage and prompting emergency teams to respond to multiple impact sites. Reports have also emerged of civilian casualties, although the exact number of those killed or injured has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.

Air raid sirens sounded across several parts o...