Iran Launches Ballistic Missile at Israel
A ballistic missile fired by Iran towards Israel hit the Soloca Medical Center in Beersheba early Thursday morning. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, the medical center described the attack as a “direct hit.”
Sources indicated that the hospital was nearly empty as it had reduced occupancy to 40% the previous day to prepare “safe rooms” or bomb shelters for potential attacks. The missile struck areas connecting different wings of the facility. A spokesperson noted that if it had landed just a few meters away, the situation could have been dire.
Israeli Army Radio confirmed the strike and reported considerable damage to the hospital, though it was still unknown if any injuries had occurred. Like many large public buildings in Israel, the hospital is equipped with bomb shelters for emergencies.
Soroka Hospital plays a vital role in southern Israel, serving both Arab and Jewish populations. It’s notable for being the only Level 1 trauma center in the region, crucial for receiving victims of violence, including those injured in conflicts with Hamas.
Despite warnings from Homefront commands, people were advised to avoid the hospital, even for treatment, while residents were allowed to leave their bomb shelters.
In addition to the strike on Beersheba, other missiles reportedly landed in Holon and Tel Aviv as part of a widespread attack involving around 30 missiles. Israel’s missile defense systems managed to intercept many, but the sheer volume of incoming missiles posed a challenge.
While shooting at hospitals is considered a war crime, Israel has faced criticism for its military actions against medical facilities in Gaza, which can lose their protected status due to being misused by Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Force continues operations against Iranian missile launchers and nuclear sites, responding to Iranian threats of significant attacks on Israel.
Following the missile strikes, reports indicated that while there were minor injuries, the most serious damage was done to the hospital. Authorities are still evaluating the circumstances.
Military correspondent Deron Kadshu suggested that the attack on the hospital was intentional, with various departments reporting injuries.
Additionally, a resident of an old building in Holon was reported trapped but alive after part of the structure collapsed.
Another four-story building in an older section of Holon sustained damage, although it complied with code requirements for bomb shelters.
About an hour post-attack, Army Radio stated there were no serious injuries reported at the hospital, but this could change as assessments continue. Initial reports indicated that military personnel were focused on managing the risks posed by the damaged buildings, noting that the outcome could have been much worse.
This story is still developing.
