Iran Strikes Israeli Hospital; Israel Vows Retaliation
Beersheba, Israel – June 20, 2025:
Tensions between Israel and Iran soared to new heights Thursday after an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center, the largest hospital in southern Israel. The attack, which occurred amid a broader missile barrage targeting multiple Israeli cities, caused extensive damage to the hospital and left dozens injured, including patients and staff.
Videos and images circulating on social media captured the aftermath: shattered hospital rooms, collapsed ceilings, and thick smoke billowing from the facility. The hospital, a critical lifeline for over one million residents in the Negev region, was forced to suspend all non-emergency services and evacuate parts of its complex.
Israeli officials condemned the strike as a “war crime” and a grave violation of international law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed swift retribution, stating, “We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran”. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the sentiment, declaring that Iran’s Supreme Leader “cannot continue to exist” in light of the attack.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the hospital was directly hit during the missile barrage and emphasized that Soroka serves a diverse population, including Jews, Arabs, and Bedouins. Hospital authorities urged the public to avoid the facility unless facing life-threatening emergencies, as the center was operating at just a fraction of its capacity following the strike.
Iranian officials denied intentionally targeting the hospital, claiming the missile was aimed at a nearby military installation. However, Israeli leaders dismissed these claims, highlighting the hospital’s civilian role and the scale of the destruction.
The World Health Organization and International Red Cross called for all parties to respect humanitarian law and protect medical facilities.
As Israel vows to intensify its military response, the region braces for further escalation in a conflict that has already seen hundreds of missiles exchanged in recent days.