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Beersheba, June 19, 2025: An Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel, causing significant damage to the hospital’s infrastructure, according to hospital authorities and Israeli officials. The attack, part of a broader missile barrage launched by Iran early Thursday, resulted in the collapse of part of the hospital’s roof and shattered exterior glass walls. Several people were reported injured, though details on the severity of the injuries remain limited.
An Israeli military official, speaking to the BBC, confirmed that the missile hit not only Soroka Hospital but also at least three other civilian structures. Videos and images circulating on social media showed smoke rising from the hospital, with debris scattered across the site. The Times of Israel, cited by Al Jazeera, reported “extensive damage” to the hospital, prompting authorities to urge the public to avoid seeking treatment at the facility until further notice.
The missile barrage, which included dozens of projectiles targeting various parts of Israel, triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other regions, with explosions heard across the affected areas. Israel’s emergency services, including Magen David Adom, are actively responding to the impacted sites, conducting rescue operations and providing medical assistance.
Israeli officials condemned the attack in strong terms. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel described the strike on the hospital as a “deliberate and criminal act” in a post on X, while Health Minister Uriel Buso labeled it a “war crime,” accusing Iran of violating international norms. Israeli authorities have vowed to intensify retaliatory strikes against Iran, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that the military has been instructed to target strategic sites in Tehran to destabilize the Iranian regime.
The attack comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, which Iran claims caused no radiation leaks. The ongoing conflict, now in its seventh day, has raised fears of further civilian casualties and regional instability.
AI/MR
