Israel claims to have intercepted more than 200 Iranian missiles and UAVs

CBS NewsMore than 200 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were launched in Iran's large-scale airstrikes on Israel, according to Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF spokesman added that several people were injured by Iranian missiles, including a child who was hit by falling debris.

Israel closed its airspace at midnight and activated all air defense systems ahead of the strike. It took several hours for the Iranian drones to reach Israeli airspace.

The IDF said the warning began sounding across Israel at around 2 a.m. on April 14 (local time) in areas in southern Israel, near the Dead Sea, in Jerusalem and the Shomron area.

“The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the situation,” the IDF said in an earlier statement.

"Our air defense system is on high alert, in coordination with Israeli Air Force fighter jets and Israeli Navy warships that are also performing defense missions over the country's airspace. We are monitoring all targets," IDF representative said.

US forces in the region said they shot down several drones launched by Iran.

US President Joe Biden returned to the White House on April 13 (US time) and met with his security advisory team.According to CNN, Mr. Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone call during this time.

Britain, France, Germany and many Western countries have condemned Israel's airstrikes.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Iran's large-scale attack on Israel. He called for an "immediate cessation" of hostilities and expressed deep concern about the "potential for a serious escalation" across the region.

“I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to a major military confrontation on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” Mr. Guterres said.

Countries in the region also called for restraint after Iran attacked Israel.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the “recent military escalation” in the region, and the “potentially serious consequences” following Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel.

“Saudi Arabia stresses the need for the UN Security Council to assume responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, especially in this area that is highly sensitive to global peace and security,” the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry reiterated the importance of containing the crisis, warning of "catastrophic consequences" if the situation worsens.