Iran Launches Missiles at Israel, Hospital and Tel Aviv Suffer Heavy Damage

On Thursday (June 19), Iran launched a major missile attack on Israel, targeting multiple cities including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Holon, and Beersheba. Local reports confirmed widespread damage and injuries across these locations.

At least 32 people were injured, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service. Among the injured is a 60-year-old man reported to be in critical condition.

Soroka Hospital Suffers Direct Hit

One of the missiles struck Soroka Hospital, resulting in significant structural damage. A hospital spokesperson confirmed the extent of the impact:
“There has been a strike on the hospital and extensive damage in various areas,” the spokesperson said. “We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries.”

Following the attack, emergency teams responded at the site, and hospital authorities advised the public to stay away from the facility for safety reasons. Interestingly, Israel’s national ambulance service revealed that the affected floor had been evacuated just a day earlier.

Israeli Officials Condemn Hospital Strike

The missile strike on the hospital has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sharren Haskel labelled the attack “deliberate” and “criminal.”

Posting on X, Haskel emphasized:
“The site that was struck is not a military base but a hospital,” adding that the facility serves as “the main medical centre for Israel’s entire Negev region.”
She also shared footage showing damage within the hospital and urged the international community to take notice:
“The world must speak out,” she wrote.

Israel Retaliates with Strike on Arak Nuclear Site

In response to the missile barrage, Israeli forces carried out retaliatory strikes targeting Iran’s Arak heavy-water nuclear facility. The site, previously flagged by Western powers for its plutonium production potential, was hit shortly after Israeli authorities warned residents in the Arak-Khondab region to evacuate.

Reuters confirmed that the strike occurred within hours of Iran‘s missile launch.

Senior Hezbollah Commander Killed in Lebanon

Alongside the response to Iran, Israel also launched a targeted operation in Lebanon, where it confirmed the death of Yassin Abdel Moneim Ezzedine, a senior Hezbollah artillery commander in the Litani sector.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that Ezzedine had been involved in plotting attacks on Israel and was leading Hezbollah’s artillery rebuilding operations. The militant group has not issued any statement regarding the reported strike.

Escalation Raises Fears of Wider Regional Conflict

The latest missile exchange marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, as both Iran and Israel carry out high-impact strikes. With civilian sites like hospitals now under fire, international concern is likely to intensify in the days ahead.