Missile Strike Hits Hospital in Southern Israel

A ballistic missile from Iran struck a hospital in southern Israel on Friday, resulting in significant structural damage and injuring nearly 100 patients and staff members. The explosion caused extensive damage to several departmental floors, pharmacies, and laboratories, leading to the suspension of most medical services.

Footage shared on social media showcased the aftermath of the blast and the considerable destruction it left behind.

“Soroka is the only major medical center in southern Israel,” the hospital pointed out. Currently, only 350 out of 1,200 beds are operational,” it stated on social media.

The emergency response team Magen David Adom (MDA) noted in a press release that the outcome could have been much worse, attributing the survival of many to “God’s mercy.” The hospital had been impacted severely by the explosion, with staff insisting on evacuating just a day beforehand.

Paramedic Eyal Rot described the chaos, stating, “We arrived in the impact zone where we witnessed severe damage to several skyscrapers.” He mentioned treating a wounded civilian in the vicinity and evacuating those affected immediately to the hospital.

Professor Shromikod, the hospital’s director, reassured that despite the situation, the hospital remains steadfast in its mission to serve those in need.

“Soroka never stops,” he said. “The missile that affected us hit the core of Israel’s southern healthcare system. While the damage is significant, our resolve will not waver. We are defined by our resilience, stronger than any missile.”

In response to the crisis, the hospital has initiated a fundraiser to acquire essential medical equipment, including stretchers, ICU beds, and specialized transport vehicles to ensure safe patient transfers.