Beersheba Hospital Struck in Iranian Missile Barrage
In a shocking escalation of hostilities, an Iranian missile struck the Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, Israel, on the seventh day of intense conflict between Iran and Israel. At least 89 people have been injured across Israel as Iran launched multiple strikes overnight, targeting locations nationwide, according to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA).
While Iran claims its missile targeted a nearby military site, Israeli authorities have called the attack on the hospital “deliberate” and “criminal.” Sharren Haskel, Israel’s deputy foreign affairs minister, emphasized that Soroka Medical Centre is the primary medical facility for Israel’s entire Negev region, making the attack even more egregious.
Netanyahu Vows Retaliation, Israel Targets Iranian Nuclear Sites
Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed severe retaliation, stating on X that Israel would “exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.”
Within hours, Israel launched its own counterattacks targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Israel’s military confirmed strikes on the “inactive” Arak heavy water reactor and the Natanz nuclear facility. These sites are key components of Iran’s controversial nuclear program, which Israel claims is edging closer to producing nuclear weapons.
“Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed — he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said after visiting the damaged Soroka Medical Centre.
Destruction and Chaos in Beersheba and Beyond
BBC correspondents on the scene described extensive destruction at the Soroka Medical Centre. Entire wards were destroyed by fire, windows shattered, ceilings collapsed, and the site was filled with debris and smoke long after the initial strike.
“At the moment we don’t know if buildings or other wards might collapse,” said Prof Shlomi Codish, chief executive of the Soroka hospital. More than 200 patients are being transferred to other medical facilities as authorities assess the structural integrity of the remaining buildings.
Elsewhere, an Iranian missile struck the business district of Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, injuring at least 20 people after glass and metal fell from damaged skyscrapers.
Iran Warns of Unlimited Response as Nuclear Sites Targeted
Israel’s counterstrike targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, including Arak’s partially built heavy-water reactor and Natanz, which houses equipment vital for enriching uranium. Heavy-water reactors like Arak’s can produce plutonium, a key ingredient for nuclear weapons, though Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
Iran’s armed forces warned that their retaliation “will have no limits” if Israel continues its attacks. Iranian officials have already lodged complaints with the United Nations nuclear watchdog, accusing Israel of violating international laws prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities.
Arak’s facility had been evacuated before the attack, according to Iranian state media. No radiation threats have been reported so far.
US Intervention Looms as Trump Considers Action
As tensions rise, the conflict has drawn the attention of the United States. Former President Trump, who remains highly influential in US foreign policy discussions, indicated he may authorize military intervention in support of Israel.
“I may do it, I may not do it,” Trump said when asked directly about US military involvement. Reports from CBS suggest that while Trump has approved contingency plans for attacking Iran, he has not yet made a final decision.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that any US involvement would prompt Tehran to strike American military interests across the Middle East.
Middle East Crisis Deepens
This latest escalation marks one of the most dangerous chapters yet in the long-running conflict between Iran and Israel. With both sides trading deadly strikes and global powers like the US weighing involvement, the potential for a full-scale regional war grows increasingly real.
Stay updated on the full story with the BBC’s full coverage of the Iran-Israel conflict.
