An Iranian missile strike early Thursday struck a hospital in southern Israel and damaged buildings in two towns near Tel Aviv, injuring at least 47 people in one of the most severe escalations since hostilities between Iran and Israel reignited last week.
Among the targets was Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, where hospital officials confirmed significant structural damage and warned the public to stay away as assessments continued.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the strike, warning that Iran would “pay a heavy price” for what he described as a terrorist act against civilians.
“This morning, Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital… and at civilians in the centre of the country,” Netanyahu said in a post on X. “We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price.”
Footage from the scene showed smoke rising from the hospital complex, which serves southern Israel and has been treating injured soldiers from the Gaza front.
Residential areas in Ramat Gan and Holon, towns near Tel Aviv, also sustained damage during the missile attack. Sirens blared across central Israel as air defense systems attempted to intercept the projectiles.
According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, 47 people were injured. “Three are in serious condition, two are in moderate condition, and 42 others suffered minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and trauma,” an MDA spokesperson said. An additional 18 civilians were injured while rushing to shelters.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant described the attack as “one of the most serious war crimes committed in this conflict” and vowed retaliation. “The Prime Minister and I have ordered intensified strikes on strategic targets in Iran, including power infrastructure in Tehran,” he said.
The Israeli military confirmed that dozens of ballistic missiles were launched from Iran, marking the most extensive single-day barrage since the conflict began. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv around 7:10 a.m. local time, as Israel’s Iron Dome defense system responded.
Air raid sirens sounded multiple times Thursday morning before authorities issued an all-clear notice shortly after the first wave.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have steadily worsened since last Friday’s outbreak of open conflict, raising fears of a broader regional war.
— AFP contributed to this report
