The attack left 71 injured and significant damage to the hospital, prompting an intense emergency response as officials reassess the ongoing conflict.
**Israel's Soroka Medical Center Hit by Iranian Missile Strike Amid Escalating Conflict**
**Israel's Soroka Medical Center Hit by Iranian Missile Strike Amid Escalating Conflict**
A recent missile strike on the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba raises concerns about escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following ongoing hostilities.
The scene at Soroka Medical Center was tense as black smoke lingered in the air, several hours after the missile struck the building. Shrapnel and debris littered a 200-meter area, while medical teams worked tirelessly to manage the situation. Eyewitness Alon Uzi recounted his terrifying experience during the attack: "I was lying in bed, and I heard a big boom. Before I could react, there was an explosion, and part of the ceiling collapsed."
Patients were evacuated on stretchers, and the emergency reception area was thick with dust and chemical smells. Professor Asher Bashiri, director of the maternity ward, reported visible destruction from his office, including cracked walls and ongoing fires. Thankfully, staff had moved patients to more secure areas shortly before the strike, which averted greater tragedy.
Hospital director Shlomi Codish detailed the extensive damage to the northern surgical building, necessitating the transfer of over 200 patients to other facilities. "We don’t know if buildings might collapse," he warned, echoing the urgency felt by the staff.
Amidst the chaos, Israeli officials arrived at the scene to condemn the missile attack, highlighting the broader implications of this conflict. Culture Minister Miki Zohar called it a battle against a regime intent on harming civilians, asserting that Israel would retaliate strongly against Iran.
The rhetoric from Israeli officials included accusations against Iran for war crimes and a promise to hold Tehran accountable for its actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to extract "the full price from the tyrants in Tehran," while Iran’s positioning in the conflict remains a tipping point for global tensions.
With ongoing military actions and threats from both sides, including Israel targeting Iranian installations, the situation is fraught with the potential for greater conflict. The incident at Soroka Medical Center underscores the urgent need for de-escalation as both countries navigate this precarious military landscape.
Patients were evacuated on stretchers, and the emergency reception area was thick with dust and chemical smells. Professor Asher Bashiri, director of the maternity ward, reported visible destruction from his office, including cracked walls and ongoing fires. Thankfully, staff had moved patients to more secure areas shortly before the strike, which averted greater tragedy.
Hospital director Shlomi Codish detailed the extensive damage to the northern surgical building, necessitating the transfer of over 200 patients to other facilities. "We don’t know if buildings might collapse," he warned, echoing the urgency felt by the staff.
Amidst the chaos, Israeli officials arrived at the scene to condemn the missile attack, highlighting the broader implications of this conflict. Culture Minister Miki Zohar called it a battle against a regime intent on harming civilians, asserting that Israel would retaliate strongly against Iran.
The rhetoric from Israeli officials included accusations against Iran for war crimes and a promise to hold Tehran accountable for its actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to extract "the full price from the tyrants in Tehran," while Iran’s positioning in the conflict remains a tipping point for global tensions.
With ongoing military actions and threats from both sides, including Israel targeting Iranian installations, the situation is fraught with the potential for greater conflict. The incident at Soroka Medical Center underscores the urgent need for de-escalation as both countries navigate this precarious military landscape.
