Tel Aviv: An Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel, seriously injuring multiple patients, medical staff, and civilians as the conflict marked its seventh day on Thursday.
The Israel Foreign Ministry issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the attack, saying, “Soroka Hospital in Beersheba—serving Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouins—was hit by an indiscriminate Iranian ballistic missile. Israel will take all necessary measures to protect its people from all backgrounds.”
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Iran launched approximately 30 ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, with one striking Soroka Hospital in Beersheba.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog used his social media platform to describe the scene inside the hospital after the attack, highlighting the trauma faced by civilians. He shared that the hospital is a vital facility serving the entire Negev region and caring for people of all faiths, including Palestinians seeking treatment there. Herzog praised the hospital staff—comprising both Jewish and Arab workers—who work in harmony to save lives, even amid dangerous circumstances.
Expressing support and solidarity, Herzog called on the nation to stand strong during these trying times and emphasized the importance of defending shared values.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, vowing to hold Iran accountable, stating, “Iran’s terrorist rulers launched missiles at Soroka Hospital and innocent civilians in the country’s center. We will exact full retribution from the tyrants in Tehran.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Iran of intentionally targeting civilians and called these actions war crimes, emphasizing that Iran’s regime has no boundaries when it comes to harming innocents.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also criticized Iran’s deliberate targeting of a hospital, calling it a “criminal” act and urging the global community to speak out against such attacks.
The escalation began last Friday when Netanyahu announced the initiation of ‘Operation Rising Lion’—a military measure aimed at countering Iran’s nuclear threat and ensuring Israel’s security amid ongoing hostilities.