Iranian missile strikes Israel's main southern hospital as conflict escalates

Israel’s main hospital in the south sustained a direct missile strike on Thursday amid escalating hostilities with Iran, causing extensive damage and prompting urgent warnings from health officials.

Hospital officials confirmed a “direct hit” on the facility, reporting extensive damage in multiple areas and several injuries. Soroka, the largest hospital in southern Israel with more than a 1,000 beds, has suspended regular services and asked the public not to seek treatment there due to the emergency conditions.

The attack comes amid intensifying hostilities, as Israel reportedly struck Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor — a key component of its nuclear infrastructure — according to Iranian state television.

Israeli emergency services and firefighters responded to damaged parts of the hospital and nearby residential buildings, though full casualty figures have not yet been released.

The strike underscores the deepening seriousness of the Iran-Israel conflict, now entering a dangerous phase of direct infrastructure attacks. It also raises concerns about the targeting of civilian and critical health facilities in violation of international norms.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Copied