Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel early Thursday, striking major cities and civilian infrastructure in what Israeli officials are calling a war crime. The most severe damage occurred at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel’s main southern hospital, where a missile collapsed a roof and ignited fires. Thanks to prior evacuations, no patients were killed, though several were injured by debris and smoke.
Health Minister Uriel Buso condemned the attack as “a war crime,” stating that Iran deliberately targeted civilians and medical personnel. Emergency crews battled fires and structural damage, and hospitals nationwide activated emergency protocols, shifting operations to underground bunkers.
In Holon, a missile devastated residential buildings, wounding 16 people—four seriously—and damaging a synagogue, a kindergarten, and multiple homes. Firefighters rescued those trapped in the rubble.
In Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv’s financial district, a missile struck close to high-rise buildings and foreign embassies, injuring over 20 people and causing widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid fears of additional victims trapped beneath debris.
The IDF reported that approximately 30 missiles were launched in this wave, with several intercepted. Iran has fired over 400 missiles and hundreds of drones in the past week, killing at least 24 people and injuring hundreds across Israel. In response, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including a hit on the Arak reactor.
As smoke still rises from impact zones, officials warn that the conflict continues to escalate. The international community, including Kenyan diplomats, has called for protection of civilian and diplomatic sites, citing violations of international law.
