Did an Iranian ballistic missile strike a hospital in Israel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A missile attack on Soroka Hospital has caused serious injuries.
- Israeli leaders condemn the attack and vow to protect civilians.
- The attack highlights the vulnerability of healthcare facilities in conflict zones.
- The ongoing conflict has escalated tensions in the region.
- International attention is necessary to address the humanitarian crisis.
Tel Aviv, June 19 (NationPress) An Iranian ballistic missile has struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel, causing serious injuries to numerous patients, medical personnel, and staff as the conflict reached its seventh day on Thursday.
Soroka Hospital—which serves Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouin—was hit by an indiscriminate missile from Iran. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated, 'Israel will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds.'
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Iran launched approximately 30 ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, with one of them targeting the hospital in Beersheba.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared the harrowing images from the hospital following the assault on innocent civilians.
'A newborn in intensive care. A mother by their side. A doctor hastily attending to patients. An elderly resident in a nursing facility. These were among the victims of Iran's missile strikes on Israeli civilians this morning. Soroka Hospital, located in Be'er Sheva, is one of Israel's premier hospitals, catering to the entire Negev region, treating Israelis of all faiths and our Palestinian neighbors who come there for medical care. Its dedicated staff—both Jews and Arabs—work in remarkable unity, driven by a shared purpose of healing,' the President remarked on X.
'I extend my thoughts and support to the medical teams, patients, and residents of Be'er Sheva and all cities under attack across Israel this morning. In such times, we are reminded of the true stakes and the values we stand to protect,' the message continued.
Condemning the assault on the hospital, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, 'This morning, Iran's terrorist regime targeted Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and launched missiles at civilians in central Israel. We will hold the tyrants in Tehran accountable.'
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the Iranian government, accusing it of deliberately attacking civilian targets.
'The Iranian regime has fired a ballistic missile at a hospital. They are intentionally targeting civilians and committing war crimes. They have crossed all ethical boundaries,' the Foreign Minister posted on X.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel condemned Iran's 'deliberate' and 'criminal' actions, stating, 'Iran has just attacked Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva with a ballistic missile. Not a military base. A hospital. This serves as the primary medical facility for the entire Negev region. This act is deliberate and criminal. The world must voice its disapproval.'
The conflict escalated last Friday when Netanyahu initiated 'Operation Rising Lion,' a focused military campaign aimed at countering the Iranian nuclear threat to Israel's existence.