An Iranian missile hit the Soroka Medical Hospital in southern Israel on Thursday. Footage of the attack has surfaced online with the Hospital spokesperson reporting significant damage to the premises and surrounding areas.
According to rescue officials, 47 people were injured in the attack, reported AFP. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the attack asserting that “This morning, Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva and at civilians in the centre of the country. We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price.
Following the strike, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released a statement stating that "Several hits were identified as a result of the missile barrage--one of them hitting the largest hospital in southern Israel. More details will follow.”
The Soroka hospital is the largest hospital in southern Israel. The official State of Israel account run by the Foreign ministry posted on X asserting, “The Iranian regime targeted Soroka Hospital in Beersheba with a ballistic missile—hitting a major medical center. We will not stand by. We will continue doing what must be done to defend our people.”
Israeli police ordered people to stay away from the hospital because of the risk of hazardous materials leaking from damaged wards, reported The Guardian.
The Soroka hospital has over 1,000 beds and serves nearly 1 million people in the southern region of the country, reported AP.
Another missile launched by Iran hit a high rise building and other residential buildings in two areas near Tel Aviv. According to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service, at least 40 people have been wounded in the attacks.
Both the countries have exchanged fresh strikes as the conflict entered its seventh day. Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s Arak Heavy Water Nuclear Reactor. The Iranian State TV reported that the facility was evacuated before the attack was carried out and no casualties were reported.
