Iranian Ballistic Missile Strikes Israeli Hospital, Dozens Injured

Tel Aviv – A ballistic missile launched by Iran hit Soroka Hospital in the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva on Thursday, injuring numerous patients, doctors, and hospital staff, as the Israel-Iran conflict entered its seventh day.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
"Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva — where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouins receive care — was just struck by an indiscriminate Iranian ballistic missile. Israel will continue to take necessary actions to protect all its citizens, regardless of background."

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Iran fired approximately 30 ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday. One of them directly hit Soroka Hospital, a major medical facility serving the Negev region.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared a harrowing account of the aftermath on social media:
"A baby in intensive care. A mother at their bedside. A doctor rushing between patients. An elderly resident in a nursing home. These were among the victims of Iran’s missile strikes this morning."
He added that Soroka Hospital serves people of all faiths, including Palestinians, and is staffed by both Jewish and Arab healthcare professionals working in unison.

"I send my support to the medical teams, the patients, and the residents of Be’er Sheva and all affected areas. In moments like these, we are reminded of the values we stand to protect," Herzog said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the attack:
"This morning, the tyrants in Tehran targeted Soroka Hospital and civilian areas in central Israel. We will ensure they pay the full price for these actions."

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed the sentiment, accusing Iran of deliberately targeting civilians:
"Firing a ballistic missile at a hospital is a war crime. The Iranian regime is intentionally attacking civilians and has crossed every line."

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also took to X to express outrage:
"Iran just struck Soroka Hospital — not a military site, but a civilian medical center serving the entire Negev. This was a deliberate, criminal attack. The world must respond."

The escalation follows Israel’s launch of "Operation Rising Lion" last Friday — a military campaign aimed at neutralizing what Israel describes as the growing nuclear threat posed by Iran.

With inputs from IANS