Iran and Israel: What is going on?

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined the US in condemning an attack on Israel by Iran.

Iran launched hundreds of missiles towards Israel overnight on 13 April. Some of the rockets and drones also came from groups supporting Iran in Iraq and Yemen.

Iran says it sent the missiles in response to an attack earlier in the month, which killed an Iranian military commander in Syria. Israel hasn't said whether it carried out that attack or not.

Israel claims it destroyed most of the 300 rockets launched during the strike, with the help of the UK, US and Jordan.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said "very little damage" has been done but has warned people to stay alert.

Israel is a country in the Middle East, with a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. In 1948 Israel was created as a homeland for Jewish people, following World War Two and the Holocaust.

Iran is also a country in the Middle East, bordering many countries including Afghanistan in the east and Iraq in the west.

In Iran, most people follow the Shia interpretation of Islam. It is an Islamic Republic, where religious leaders have a big say in the running of the country.

Israel and Iran have been enemies for many years, but the latest events are the first direct clash between the two countries.

The UK, US and Jordan helped to stop drones and rockets during the attack.

Israel claims that 99% of the missiles launched during the strike were destroyed.

UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps says more RAF jets have been sent to the region.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win."

It currently is unclear what Israel's response will be.

The Iranian army chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri said the attack has "achieved all its objectives" and Iran has urged Israel not to hit back.

Many countries around the world including Canada, France and Germany have criticised the attack by Iran.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed the UK would "continue to stand up for Israel's security and that of all our regional partners".

He added: "Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation."

Meanwhile US President Joe Biden said the US had helped Israel to "take down nearly all" of the drones and missiles.

He said: "Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks - sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel."