An Iranian ballistic missile struck the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba on Thursday morning, causing significant damage as air raid sirens blared across Israel during a large-scale missile attack launched from Iranian territory.
The IDF confirmed at 7:03 am on Thursday that between 20 and 30 missiles were launched from Iran towards Israeli territory. According to Israeli reports, this constitutes the largest barrage launched from Iran in the past 48 hours.
Reports indicate at least seven impact sites, including three in Gush Dan and a direct hit on Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. So far, over 50 individuals have been reported injured across all affected locations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning, stating that Iran will “pay a heavy price” after its missile attack damaged Israel’s Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, “This morning, Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva and at civilians in the centre of the country. We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price.”
Hospital officials confirmed that several areas of the facility were hit, with the old surgical building sustaining substantial damage. Meanwhile, Ayatollah Khamenei asserted that the Iranian nation will “firmly stand” against any imposed war and will never surrender to “any form of imposition.”
Rescue services promptly responded to the incident, evacuating patients and staff, while teams worked to free individuals trapped in an elevator following the blast.
On Thursday, Iranian armed forces initiated the fourteenth phase of “Operation True Promise III,” unleashing a powerful volley of ballistic missiles that struck deep into Israeli-held territory, including Tel Aviv.
According to regional observers and unverified footage circulating on social media, dozens of new-generation missiles successfully penetrated Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems, triggering widespread panic. Videos reportedly showed civilians, described by Iranian sources as settlers, frantically rushing towards bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across several cities.
Despite a sweeping censorship order from Tel Aviv, reports suggest that at least 50 ballistic missiles were involved in the assault, some of which were deployed for the first time during this operation. Unconfirmed sources claim the death toll may have exceeded 50, although Israeli authorities have not officially released casualty figures or damage assessments.
The strikes reportedly targeted critical infrastructure, including buildings linked to Israeli military and intelligence operations. The perceived success of the attack has led analysts to question the effectiveness of Israel’s much-touted missile defense systems.
The latest escalation comes amid heightened regional tensions, with both sides continuing to exchange threats and prepare for potential retaliatory measures.
An 80-year-old man is reported to be in serious condition due to injuries from shrapnel and the explosion. Three other individuals were also seriously wounded in the city of Holon. Magen David Adom (MDA) reported at least 30 others sustained light injuries across various locations impacted by the missile barrage.
In total, Israeli media reported that more than 20 missiles were launched from Iran, with at least three confirmed direct impact sites in central Israel. Explosions were heard across multiple cities, and emergency services are continuing to assess and respond to affected areas.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Service, alongside medical teams, are actively working to evacuate the wounded and ensure the safety of those in and around the hospital.
This latest escalation unfolds as regional tensions continue to mount, with Iranian strikes prompting retaliatory measures from Israel, including reported targeting of sites in Tehran and Yemen.
In a statement following the latest wave of the operation, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the deployment of their two-stage, super-heavy ballistic missile, Sejjil.
The IRGC also informed settlers in the occupied territories that Israeli air defenses have been depleted in recent days due to a series of successful Iranian retaliatory strikes, asserting that the skies over the occupied land of Palestine are now completely controlled by Iranian missiles and drones.
The statement also referenced Tuesday’s operation, in which the Israeli military intelligence center affiliated with Mossad and Aman, as well as a base of Israeli fighter jets, were reportedly destroyed, recalling the IRGC chief’s earlier warning that “the gates of hell will open for the Zionists.”
The statement further warned the settlers that they must choose between “slow death inside the underground bunkers or return to the countries from where their ancestors came.”
The retaliatory missile barrage on Wednesday is part of the twelfth phase of “Operation True Promise III,” which commenced late on Friday in response to unprovoked Israeli aggression, which led to the assassination of many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, including children and women.
