Iranian Missile Strikes Hospital in Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict
Missile Attack on Soroka Hospital
Tel Aviv, June 19: An Iranian ballistic missile hit Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel, resulting in serious injuries to multiple patients, medical staff, and doctors as the conflict reached its seventh day on Thursday.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported on X that the hospital, which serves Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouins, was struck by an indiscriminate missile from Iran. They emphasized that Israel will take necessary actions to safeguard all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 30 ballistic missiles were launched by Iran towards Israel on Thursday, with one hitting the hospital.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared distressing images from the hospital following the attack on civilians. He described the scene, mentioning a baby in intensive care, a mother at their side, and a doctor attending to patients, highlighting the hospital's role in caring for all faiths and the Palestinian community.
In his post on X, Herzog expressed solidarity with the medical teams, patients, and residents of Beersheba, reminding everyone of the values at stake during such crises.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile strike, stating that Iran's actions targeted both the hospital and civilian areas. He vowed to hold the Iranian regime accountable for their actions.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized Iran for its deliberate attacks on civilians, labeling them as war crimes. He stated that the Iranian regime has crossed all boundaries.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel condemned Iran's actions as intentional and criminal, emphasizing that the missile targeted a civilian hospital, not a military installation, and called for global condemnation.
The conflict escalated last Friday when Netanyahu announced 'Operation Rising Lion,' a military initiative aimed at countering the Iranian nuclear threat to Israel's existence.