Iran Strikes Deep: Tel Aviv Hospital Among Targets in Bold Attack

At least 47 people were injured on Thursday morning after Iranian missiles struck a hospital in southern Israel and two towns near Tel Aviv, in what marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Among the sites hit was Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, a major hospital that also treats wounded soldiers from the Gaza front. Emergency responders reported damage to the hospital and extensive destruction in surrounding areas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted swiftly, warning that Iran would “pay a heavy price” for what he described as an unprovoked attack on civilians. “This morning, Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital… and at civilians in the centre of the country,” Netanyahu said in a post on X. “We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price.”

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that the military had been ordered to intensify retaliatory strikes on strategic targets within Iran, including Tehran’s power infrastructure. He labeled the missile strikes “some of the most serious war crimes” and placed direct blame on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowing accountability.

A spokesperson for Soroka Hospital confirmed structural damage and urged the public to avoid the area while assessments and emergency procedures continued. AFP footage from the scene showed smoke billowing from the hospital complex, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Simultaneously, Iranian missiles also struck Ramat Gan and Holon, two towns on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. These areas, like Tel Aviv itself, have been frequent targets since open hostilities between Iran and Israel began last Friday.

According to Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, the Iranian missile barrage left three people in serious condition, two moderately injured, and at least 42 others with minor wounds, many from shrapnel or blast-related trauma. An additional 18 people were hurt while attempting to reach shelters.

Sirens wailed across the country shortly after 7:00 a.m., and AFP journalists in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem reported hearing loud explosions, the most intense since the conflict erupted. The Israeli military confirmed that dozens of ballistic missiles had been launched from Iran, triggering a nationwide emergency response.

The strikes on civilian targets, particularly a medical facility, have further inflamed tensions and drawn condemnation. The Israeli government is expected to step up its military operations in response, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate continue to falter.