An Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Centre, a major hospital located in the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva, causing “extensive destruction”, according to Israeli authorities on Thursday.
Israel’s emergency response agency, Magen David Adom (MDA), stated that it had received a report concerning “a building that had sustained heavy damage”. Upon arriving, their responders observed “extensive destruction” at the location. A 60-year-old woman was injured in the missile strike, the MDA added.
A spokeswoman for Soroka Medical Center said, “We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries,” confirming there was “extensive damage in various areas.”
Footage shared on Telegram, which claims to show the aftermath near the hospital, depicted multiple damaged buildings and debris scattered on the ground. If reading from the Phoenix browser, click on Read Original at the top to watch the video of the incident on our site.
Soroka Medical Center is one of Israel’s top hospitals and serves over one million residents in the southern region. Located just 22 miles from Gaza, the facility is the primary evacuation site for those injured in the ongoing conflict, according to information on its website.
The strike on the hospital was part of a wider Iranian missile assault on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Holon. In response, Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear-linked sites, such as the Arak heavy-water facility.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on civilians and pledging retaliation against the “tyrants in Tehran”. Defence Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled the incident “a war crime,” and a senior official called it “a grave violation of international law”.
Reports indicate that Iran launched more than 400 missiles and 1,000 drones. While the total impact is still under review, hundreds of civilian deaths have reportedly occurred in Iran, and injuries in Israel continue to rise. Rescue operations are ongoing amid growing international alarm.