Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba was struck by an Iranian missile, causing injuries and structural damage. Eyewitness accounts highlight chaotic scenes as emergency teams respond. Israeli officials condemn the attack, predicting further military action in retaliation.
Iranian Missile Strike Hits Israeli Hospital Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iranian Missile Strike Hits Israeli Hospital Amid Ongoing Conflict
Amid escalating tensions, Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba suffers a missile strike attributed to Iran, resulting in injuries and widespread damage.
The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba became the latest casualty in the rising tensions between Israel and Iran as it was hit by a missile strike on Thursday. Reports indicate that despite Iran's denial of responsibility, the aftermath left a significant impact on the hospital, with black smoke lingering in the air hours after the attack. Twisted metal debris from the missile was scattered across a wide area, highlighting the event's destructiveness.
Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders were already working to evacuate patients, as many residents and medical staff expressed their fear that the situation could have been much worse. "I was lying in bed, and I heard a big boom," recounted Alon Uzi, a patient who was caught in the blast. He described how the explosion caused the ceiling to collapse, covering him in dust and debris.
As initial responses unfolded, 71 injuries were reported, tempered by the evacuation of vulnerable patients from impacted wards to safety. Professor Asher Bashiri, director of the maternity unit, revealed that swift actions taken to move patients to secure locations potentially saved lives, stating they were "very, very lucky."
Hospital Director Shlomi Codish provided further insight into the extensive damage caused, emphasizing that over 200 patients would need to be transferred to other medical facilities, noting the precarious nature of the building's structural integrity.
Israeli officials, including Culture Minister Miki Zohar, visited the site to express their condemnation of the attack, characterizing Iran as a regime aiming to kill innocents. He reinforced claims of Israel's own efforts to safeguard civilian lives during military actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that they would hold Iran accountable for what he termed "war crimes."
The ongoing military escalation between the two nations poses a complex backdrop, with both sides displaying capabilities for broader conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump has also entered the fray, reportedly approving plans for retaliatory action against Iran. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential for further destabilization in the region.
