‘Extensive damage’ as Beer-Sheva Hospital takes direct missile hit
About 23 missiles launched from Iran struck multiple locations across Israel early Thursday, including a direct hit on the Soroka Medical Centre in Beer-Sheva.
Beer-Sheva’s Soroka Medical Centre on April 8, 2024. Photo by Ran Dahan/TPS
A Soroka spokesperson said there was “extensive damage in various areas” of the civilian facility.
“We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries,” the spokesperson said. “The public is asked not to come to the hospital until further notice.”
Reacting to the Soroka strike, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said, “Nazis who launch missiles at hospitals, at the elderly and at children – if they had atomic weapons, they would fire them without even thinking for a second. This is the most just campaign that Israel has ever embarked on in history.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, said: “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.
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.
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.
In moments like these, we are reminded of what’s truly at stake, and the values we are defending.”
Other missile falls were reported in Tel Aviv, Ramat and Holon.
Magen David Adom said its emergency responders treated 16 people with injuries in Holon, including three in critical condition.
Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on Friday, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. According to Israeli defense officials, Iran has developed the capacity to rapidly enrich uranium and assemble nuclear bombs, with sufficient fissile material for up to 15 weapons.
Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in what officials describe as a broader Iranian strategy combining nuclear development, missile proliferation, and proxy warfare aimed at Israel’s destruction.
