An Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba early Thursday, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. The attack caused major damage to the hospital’s old surgical wing, as over 20 missiles were launched from Iran, triggering air raid sirens across central Israel.
Emergency teams evacuated patients and rescued individuals trapped in elevators, while an 80-year-old man sustained serious injuries from the blast. Additional casualties were reported, including three critically wounded in Holon and over 30 people with minor injuries in various affected cities.
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The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the use of Sejjil, a two-stage super-heavy ballistic missile, in this latest phase of Operation True Promise III. Iranian officials declared that Israeli air defenses have been heavily weakened by sustained strikes and warned settlers in the region to “choose between slow death in bunkers or returning to their countries of origin.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reaffirmed the nation’s stance, saying Iran will never submit to external pressure. The missile barrage comes in retaliation to earlier Israeli strikes that reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian officials and civilians.
The situation remains volatile as Israel considers its next move amid ongoing attacks and rising civilian tolls.
