Tehran, June 19, 2025:
Iran retaliated with missiles that hit a hospital in southern Israel after Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Iranian nuclear installations, escalating the conflict between the two countries today.
The Israel Defence Forces claim that as part of what has been dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," Israeli jets targeted military and nuclear installations in Natanz, Isfahan, Khondab near Arak, and the Quds Force command center in Tehran. According to unofficial Iranian reports, the Israeli attack resulted in at least 78 fatalities and over 320 injuries.
Iran responded by launching a huge volley of missiles at Israel. About 40 people were injured and significant damage was caused when one missile struck the Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba directly. According to emergency services, "several patients" had minor injuries, and important buildings needed to be demolished.
Defence Minister Israel Katz likened Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to "a modern Hitler" and implied that he "should no longer continue to exist," while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the attack as the product of "terrorist tyrants in Tehran" and promised to "exact the full price." The Israeli military also stated that they did not target hospitals and that any assertions to the contrary were "lies," even though they caused damage to civilian infrastructure.
The attack on the Soroka hospital is seen by analysts as a concerning escalation that signals a move toward attacking civilian infrastructure. Shlomi Kadosh, the director general of Soroka, acknowledged that the building would probably need to be demolished, but that medical services would continue in spite of the situation. There were urgent calls for de-escalation in the international response.
With Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressing diplomatic solutions, the UK called for moderation. As President Trump considers additional military options, the US has offered assistance in intercepting Iranian missiles but has not committed to direct involvement. The danger of a larger regional conflict has increased as both countries are now attacking each other's vital civilian and political infrastructure.
Before the conflict spreads beyond their own borders, world leaders are advising both governments to take a backseat and seek diplomatic engagement.
