In a major escalation of regional hostilities, Iran launched over 20 ballistic missiles targeting cities across Israel early on June 19, 2025. One missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, causing significant structural damage and injuring at least 71 civilians, marking one of the most severe attacks on civilian infrastructure in the ongoing conflict.
At approximately 3:45 AM local time, a ballistic missile believed to be armed with a cluster warhead hit Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, the largest hospital in southern Israel and a key regional trauma hub. The strike resulted in extensive damage to several departments, including the surgery, pediatrics, and cardiology wings. While no fatalities were reported, at least 71 people sustained injuries, mostly due to falling debris and shattered glass.
Iran’s Justification:
Iranian military officials stated that the intended target was a nearby Israeli military intelligence installation and claimed that civilian casualties were “unintended.” Tehran accused Israel of “placing military assets near civilian infrastructure,” deflecting responsibility for the hospital strike.
Wider Assault:
The strike on Soroka was part of a broader Iranian offensive involving over 20 missiles aimed at various Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. Iranian sources claimed the targets were exclusively military in nature, although several civilian areas sustained damage.
Israeli Response:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the attack as a war crime and a direct violation of international humanitarian law. “Iran will bear full responsibility,” Netanyahu declared, vowing immediate retaliation. Within hours, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched precision airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in Natanz, Arak, and Esfahan.
International Reactions:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned the attack on Soroka Hospital, reaffirming the legal and moral obligation to protect medical facilities during conflict. The United States, France, and Germany issued joint statements urging both Iran and Israel to de-escalate the situation, while emergency consultations at the UN Security Council were reportedly underway.
