Iran's Missile Fragments Land Near Western Wall and Al-Aqsa in Occupied East Jerusalem
Image: The Times of Israel

Iran's Missile Fragments Land Near Western Wall and Al-Aqsa in Occupied East Jerusalem

20 March, 2026.Iran.5 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Fragments from Iranian missile landed near the Western Wall and al-Aqsa in Jerusalem's Old City.
  • Debris near sites in Jerusalem's Old City, including Western Wall and Dome of the Rock.
  • Missile debris reported as Iranian missile fragments.

Missile Attack Overview

The attack involved multiple salvos of ballistic missiles striking various locations across the country.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

Nine salvos of ballistic missiles were fired by Iran according to Israeli reports.

Some missiles reportedly carried cluster bomb warheads, raising concerns about their use.

The attack came amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

This represented a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Jerusalem Holy Sites Hit

Missile fragments impacted Jerusalem's Old City near sensitive religious sites.

Fragments struck close to a gate leading toward the Western Wall and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Image from Associated Press News
Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News

The sites were less than 400-500 meters from these revered locations.

Impact occurred in the Jewish Quarter, damaging a parking lot.

The strike happened just above Dung Gate, one of seven functional entrances.

Timing was just before Shabbat, disrupting religious preparations.

Casualties and Damage

In Rehovot, cluster attacks set one home ablaze.

Fragments impacted in 8-10 locations according to police reports.

A man and woman in their 70s were lightly wounded by a blast.

Part of a missile landed inside a resident's living room.

A bomblet created a crater in a playground in Kiryat Ono.

Total hospitalizations reached 4,099 with some patients suffering anxiety.

Israeli Retaliation

Israel Defense Forces responded with airstrikes targeting Iranian officials.

IDF announced strikes in Tehran earlier that week.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

The strikes killed Basij militia commander and deputy.

Esmail Ahmadi, head of Basij intelligence, was eliminated.

Other senior commanders were also killed in Tehran.

Officials were targeted at a Basij tent camp in Tehran.

The camp was established after previous Israeli strikes.

Regional Tensions

The attack occurred amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions.

Later Friday, IDF Spokesman Brig

The Times of IsraelThe Times of Israel

Both sides have engaged in aggressive rhetoric and military actions.

Image from Associated Press News
Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News

The Jerusalem strike raised concerns about holy site safety.

The location is revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

Timing suggested either deliberate targeting or dangerous miscalculation.

International observers express concern about further escalation.

Civilian populations and religious sites remain at risk.

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