Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will face severe consequences after an Iranian missile strike targeted a hospital in southern Israel. The missile barrage, which took place early Thursday morning, hit Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, leaving parts of the facility in flames and causing injuries to at least 40 people. Netanyahu, speaking on social media platform X, condemned the attack, describing Iran as “terrorist dictators” and promising that Tehran would “pay a heavy price” for striking a civilian medical centre.
The hospital’s director, Shlomi Kodesh, gave a grim account of the damage, revealing that a surgical building, recently evacuated, was among those hit. He noted that several wards were completely destroyed and that extensive damage affected buildings, windows, ceilings, and other structures throughout the hospital complex. While Iran insists that its missile strikes were aimed at Israeli military and intelligence targets, the attack on the hospital has drawn widespread condemnation and intensified the conflict between the two nations.
This latest escalation marks the seventh day of deadly exchanges between Israel and Iran, with tensions soaring as ballistic missiles continue to rain down on Israeli cities. Impacts were also reported in towns near Tel Aviv, Israel’s major coastal hub. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister has publicly stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will be held accountable for the attacks. The Iranian leader has rejected demands from US President Donald Trump for an “unconditional surrender,” even as Trump hinted at potential American involvement in the conflict.
President Trump has kept the world guessing about whether the United States will join Israel in its military response. Speaking ambiguously, he said, “I may do it, I may not do it,” and emphasized his preference to make final decisions at the last moment due to the fluid nature of war. Intelligence briefings and diplomatic talks involving key US and British officials are underway as the international community closely monitors developments. Speculation also surrounds the possibility of targeted US airstrikes against Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Fordow, using specially designed bunker-busting munitions.
With the situation escalating rapidly, many are bracing for what Trump described as a “very big” week ahead, while Iran remains defiant in the face of mounting pressure. The conflict shows no sign of abating, and the humanitarian impact, underscored by the assault on a hospital, continues to raise alarm worldwide.
