Iranian Missile Hits Beersheva Hospital; 6 Seriously Wounded

The barrage, comprising some 30 ballistic missiles, was the heaviest launched by the Islamic Republic in some 48 hours. 

Emergency teams were responding at several sites, searching for wounded and treating several individuals for minor injuries, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom [national ambulance service]. In total, 22 individuals with mild injuries were receiving care and were being transported to hospitals. 

Following direct missile strikes on residential buildings in central Israel, United Hatzalah volunteers provided initial treatment to three women in serious condition, two men in moderate condition, and more than 50 additional people who sustained mild injuries, including many suffering from emotional shock. 

Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that a suspected leak of hazardous materials on one of the floors of Soroka Hospital was being investigated and that the area was being evacuated; however, it was later reported that fears of a leak had been ruled out. 

“There has been damage to the hospital and extensive damage in various areas. We are currently assessing the damages, including injuries,” the Soroka spokesperson said, requesting that people not come to the medical center at this time and stating that further updates would be provided as soon as possible. 

According to reports, part of the Soroka complex had been evacuated just a day before Thursday’s strike by a special order of the Health Ministry, including the floor hit by the missile. 

“Just yesterday, they evacuated the old surgical building, which today took a direct hit. It’s a great miracle,” a doctor at Soroka told Kan News. 

Israeli Health Minister Uriel Buso called the Soroka strike “an act of terror” that crosses a red line. 

“It is a war crime by the Iranian regime, deliberately targeting innocent civilians and medical teams dedicated to saving lives. The Health Ministry was prepared in advance, and thanks to the immediate actions we took, a major disaster was averted,” said Buso. 

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the Iranian regime “Nazis who launch missiles at hospitals, at the elderly, and at children.” If the regime had nuclear weapons, it would deploy them “’without even thinking for a second,’” he added. 

He called “Operation Rising Lion,” Israel’s name for the campaign in Iran, “the most just campaign Israel has ever embarked on in its history.” 

Ben-Gvir continued: “I embrace the citizens of Israel and strengthen the hands of the prime minister and my colleagues in the cabinet during these days. We are all united—to remove this threat once and for all, until the end and until absolute victory! The people of Israel live.”