Iranian Missile Barrage Injures Dozens in Central Israel; Soroka Hospital

Red alert sirens sounded early Thursday morning across numerous cities in central, southern, and coastal regions of Israel as Iran launched a massive barrage of dozens of missiles—the largest in the past 48 hours. Over 50 people were injured, 3 seriously.

Damage was reported to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, as well as to buildings in Tel Aviv, Holon, and Ramat Gan. Israel’s defense systems intercepted many of the missiles, but several managed to strike populated areas.

Following direct missile strikes on residential buildings in central Israel, United Hatzalah volunteers provided initial treatment to three women in serious condition, two men in moderate condition, and more than 50 additional people who sustained mild injuries, including many suffering from emotional shock.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs Israel Alter, Yechiel Vaknin, and Zevi Fishman, EMTs with United Hatzalah, reported from one of the affected sites:
“We provided assistance to numerous individuals with varying levels of injury. There was extensive damage to residential buildings, and searches are still underway to locate additional victims. United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit is assisting those suffering from emotional distress.”

Yoni Uziyahu, Yaniv Aviuv, and Shmuel Malka, United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs responding at another site in central Israel, added:
“This was a direct hit on a residential structure, causing significant damage to surrounding buildings as well. We treated over 20 individuals on scene. Together with fire and rescue services, we helped evacuate residents from three severely damaged buildings, and provided emotional support to those affected.”

In a great display of chasdei Shamayim, no fatalities have been reported.

Earlier in the night, just after midnight, sirens also rang out in central Israel during a separate attack. Iran launched five missiles at that time, but all were intercepted with no reported injuries or damage.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Thursday morning to the attack that struck multiple locations in Israel, including Soroka Hospital. “Iran’s terror tyrants fired missiles at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva and at civilians in the heart of the country,” he said. “We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “The cowardly Iranian dictator hides in a fortified bunker while deliberately firing at hospitals and residential buildings in Israel. These are war crimes of the worst kind, and Khamenei will be held accountable. The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to intensify strikes on strategic and governmental targets in Iran to remove the threat and destabilize the Ayatollah regime.”

“A baby in intensive care. A mother by their bedside. A doctor rushing between beds. An elderly resident in a nursing home. These were some of the targets of Iran’s missile attacks on Israeli civilians this morning,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said.

“Soroka Hospital, located in Be’er Sheva, is one of Israel’s finest — serving the entire Negev region, caring for Israelis of all faiths and our neighbors the Palestinians who come especially to be treated there.

“Its devoted staff — Jews and Arabs — work side by side in extraordinary harmony, united by the mission to heal,” Herzog noted.

“I send strength and support to the medical teams, to the patients, and to the residents of Be’er Sheva and all cities attacked across Israel this morning,” he added. “In moments like these, we are reminded of what’s truly at stake, and the values we are defending.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir strongly condemned the Iranian attack: “Nazis firing missiles at hospitals, the elderly, and children—if they had nuclear weapons, they would’ve used them without hesitation. This is the most just war Israel has ever fought. I embrace the citizens of Israel and strengthen the hands of the Prime Minister and my fellow cabinet members. We are all united—to remove this threat once and for all, to the end and to absolute victory! Am Yisrael Chai.”

Health Minister Uriel Buso addressed the direct hit on Soroka Medical Center: “This is an act of terror and a red line crossed—a war crime by the Iranian regime, deliberately targeting innocent civilians and medical teams dedicated to saving lives. The Health Ministry prepared in advance, and thanks to our immediate response, a major disaster was averted. I urge the public—please continue following Home Front Command instructions. It saves lives.”