An anti-missile system operates as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on Sunday. Amir Cohen/Reuters

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s “shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.”

The Middle East has been plunged deeper into uncharted waters after Iran launched missiles from its territory toward Israel late Saturday.

Israel’s military said “99%” of the more than 300 projectiles fired by Iran were intercepted by Israel and its “partners.”

Luxon said “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure.

“We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could prove disastrous. 

“We call on all parties to step down from further retaliatory action. De-escalation is essential,” Luxon said.

“These unprecedented strikes on Israel only add to an already unstable global environment,” Peters said.

“We fully support efforts by those in the region, and beyond, to contain the tensions and protect innocent lives.”

New Zealanders in the region should monitor local media for public safety updates, follow the advice of local authorities, and the SafeTravel website for updates.