In brief
The recent missile strike on Soroka Medical Center draws international condemnation and raises alarms over civilian safety.
June 19, 2025, 3:32 a.m. ET - In a striking escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, an Iranian missile hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel, on Thursday, marking the first missile strike on a medical facility since the current round of conflict began. The missile assault raised alarms about the increasing risks faced by civilians in both nations amid sustained military engagements.The attack caused significant destruction, with images released by Israeli emergency services depicting shattered glass and debris scattered throughout hospital corridors. According to Shlomi Codish, the hospital's director general, the surgical wing was struck, though the area had been evacuated in anticipation of potential attacks. Fortunately, all patients and staff had moved to secure areas prior to the missile impact, resulting in minimal injuries reported among medical personnel and patients, with the emergency unit handling several cases of light trauma.The incident starkly illustrates the toll that the ongoing war—a result of Iran launching retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets—imposes on civilians. As per official figures, at least 24 individuals have lost their lives in Israel due to Iranian missile attacks, while Iranian casualties from Israeli airstrikes number at least 224.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the military actions by Iran, characterizing them as war crimes due to the intentional targeting of healthcare facilities, which is forbidden under international humanitarian law except under specific circumstances. The hospital incident marks a significant point in the conflict, underscoring the fragile nature of civilian safety amid military actions.Reports from various news channels captured the chaos resulting from the missile strike, showing smoke engulfing the hospital and chaotic scenes within. The situation remains fluid as both nations continue their military engagements, raising concerns about further escalations in violence and civilian casualties.
