Daycare damaged in missile strike in central Israel

March 13, Kathmandu: A missile strike damaged a kindergarten in the central Israeli city of Ramle, authorities said, though no children were injured as the facility was empty at the time of the attack.

Local officials said the blast caused structural damage to the daycare building and nearby residential structures in the mixed Jewish-Arab city. Emergency responders reported several people in the surrounding area suffered light injuries.

President of Israel Isaac Herzog condemned the strike, saying the targeting of civilian areas highlights the danger posed to ordinary residents during the ongoing hostilities.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran-backed militant groups in the region, with rocket and missile exchanges reported in recent days.

Authorities said an investigation into the strike is ongoing while emergency crews continue to assess damage in the area.