Following a recent missile barrage from Iran, the Israel Defense Forces reported a direct hit on the largest hospital in southern Israel. The hospital spokesperson confirmed the damage and is currently assessing the extent of the injuries and infrastructural impact. The public has been asked to avoid visiting the hospital during this time as authorities evaluate the situation.
The Soroka Medical Center, targetted by Iran, is the main hospital in Israel’s south and has over 1,000 beds and provides services to the approximately 1 million residents of the area.
"Several hits were identified as a result of the missile barrage—one of them hitting the largest hospital in southern Israel," the IDF posted on X.
As per AFP, a spokesperson for the hospital said that damage has been caused to the hospital and extensive damage in various areas. "We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries. We ask the public not to come to the hospital at this time," they said.
Although details are still emerging, firefighters reported, as per AP, that both the medical building and residential areas were struck, but there has been no immediate confirmation of injuries.
Iranian state television reported that the Arak facility, located 250 kilometers southwest of Tehran, was evacuated ahead of the attack, and authorities have stated that there is “no radiation danger whatsoever.” Despite Israel's warning for residents to evacuate the vicinity, the Israeli military did not provide further details on the strikes, which also reportedly targeted other regions in Iran.
The latest round of airstrikes marks the seventh day of military actions by Israel, which has previously targeted key Iranian nuclear sites, including facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. The strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with a Washington-based Iranian human rights organization estimating that at least 639 people, including 263 civilians, have lost their lives in Iran, and more than 1,300 have been injured.
In retaliation, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and numerous drones toward Israel, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and hundreds of injuries in the country, with several strikes damaging apartment buildings in central Israel.
The situation remains volatile, with Iranian Supreme Leader calling U.S. military involvement a threat that could cause “irreparable damage.” Meanwhile, some restrictions in Israel have been lifted, indicating a possible easing of the immediate missile threat.
