A mass funeral for victims of a deadly attack on a girls’ school brought thousands of mourners together in southern Iran, as Israel’s prime minister said his country would continue striking Iran “with force.” At least 165 people, including dozens of children, were killed in the attack, which Iranian authorities have blamed on either Israel or the United States.

The ceremony in Minab drew people from all walks of life, reflecting the depth of shock and grief across the country. Residents described the school tragedy as an “open wound,” saying even those critical of the government were deeply shaken and speaking out about the incident.

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The Iranian government has highlighted the attack, calling it extremely painful for the nation and noting it has been widely condemned.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said there was “no reason whatsoever” for any country to suffer in such a way, especially children. He argued that the attack showed it was not merely a campaign against military and strategic sites but a broader war on the Iranian people.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was continuing to strike Iran. Speaking at an air force base in central Israel, he said Israeli pilots were operating over Iran, including Tehran, and over Lebanon.

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“We continue to strike Iran with force,” Netanyahu said in a statement from his office.

He also warned Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, saying it had made a “very big mistake” by attacking Israel. “We have already responded forcefully, and we will respond with even greater force,” he added.