Tensions Escalate: Iranian Missiles Strike Israeli Hospital Amid Ongoing Conflict
One of Israel's major hospitals sustained a direct hit from Iranian missiles on Thursday, resulting in injuries to dozens of individuals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged a swift and decisive response to the attack.
The missile barrage, comprising around 20 ballistic missiles launched by Iran, occurred early on the seventh day of escalating conflict between the two nations. One of the missiles specifically targeted Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, according to reports from Israeli officials.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Netanyahu condemned the assault, describing it as an attack on both the hospital and civilian populations in central Israel. He warned that Iran would face severe repercussions for the actions of what he termed the "terrorist tyrants" in Tehran.
Early assessments indicated that the missile strikes may have been a direct retaliation for Israeli operations targeting Iranian nuclear sites. The state-run Iranian news agency IRNA corroborated the strike on the hospital but claimed that the primary military targets were Israeli military installations near the hospital, including the IDF intelligence headquarters and an army intelligence camp situated at the Gav-Yam Technology Park.
In the aftermath of the attack, officials from Soroka Medical Centre reported multiple injuries, urging the public to avoid seeking treatment at the hospital due to ongoing threats.
In response to the situation, the Israeli military issued warnings to Iranian civilians residing near the Arak heavy water reactor, advising them to evacuate the area. These alerts included satellite imagery depicting the nuclear facility marked for emphasis.
Reports of smoke rising from the Soroka hospital complex following the missile strike highlighted the severity of the attack. Despite initial concerns, Iranian state television later reported that there was no risk of radiation and that the facility had been evacuated prior to the missile strikes.
Amidst the unfolding situation, there are indications of increasing U.S. involvement as President Donald Trump continues to deliberate on potential military responses. While there are suggestions that he is considering backing an Israeli operation targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, Trump has yet to make a definitive decision regarding military intervention.
On the other hand, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued stern warnings that any U.S. military engagement could lead to "irreparable damage." As tensions continue to heighten, the world watches closely as Israel and Iran navigate this complex and dangerously escalating conflict.
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