On Thursday, southern Israel's Soroka Hospital in Beersheba found itself at the center of conflict when a barrage of dozens of Iranian missiles landed nearby, officials reported.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry took to X to confirm: "A direct hit has been reported at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel. More details to follow." Authorities say they are still assessing the full scope of damage and injuries.
A hospital spokesperson described extensive structural harm across multiple wings. "We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries. We ask the public not to come to the hospital at this time," they said, urging calm and cooperation as staff secure patient safety.
Beyond the immediate physical toll, this escalation highlights a growing pattern of cross-border tensions and the risks posed to critical infrastructure. Hospitals like Soroka are lifelines for communities, and any disruption can reverberate through emergency services, patient care and regional stability.
Local teams have mobilized backup generators, set up temporary triage zones and coordinated with humanitarian groups to ensure continuity of treatment. International observers are closely monitoring developments as calls grow for de-escalation and dialogue.
For now, residents of Beersheba and beyond wait for clearer updates on the extent of injuries and next steps in repair efforts. The incident underscores how geopolitical conflicts can have immediate, real-world impacts on civilians and essential services.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
