Missiles hit Israel's main hospital in south, Iran's Arak heavy water reactor
Israel's main hospital in the south sustained a direct hit from an Iranian missile, causing “extensive damage,” according to officials.
Israel’s main hospital in the south sustained a direct hit from an Iranian missile, resulting in extensive damage, according to officials cited by Associated Press. This marked the seventh day of Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The strike came as Israel targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, a key nuclear facility, according to Iranian state television. The escalation marks a dangerous new phase in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Israel’s main hospital in the south, Soroka Medical Centre in Be'er Sheba, was hit directly by an Iranian missile, causing “extensive damage,” hospital officials said, reported AP.
A spokesperson for the hospital said, “The hospital suffered extensive damage in different areas and people had been wounded in the attack.” Following the strike, Soroka asked the public not to come for treatment. Follow Iran Israel war live updates.
The medical centre, which has over 1,000 beds, serves nearly one million people in southern Israel. Firefighters said parts of the hospital and nearby apartment buildings were damaged. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were hurt.
Israel attacks Iran's Arak heavy water reactor
{{/usCountry}}The medical centre, which has over 1,000 beds, serves nearly one million people in southern Israel. Firefighters said parts of the hospital and nearby apartment buildings were damaged. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were hurt.
Israel attacks Iran's Arak heavy water reactor
{{/usCountry}}The missile strike came hours after Israel reportedly targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, according to Iranian state television. The reactor, located about 250 kilometres southwest of Tehran, was evacuated after the strike.
{{/usCountry}}The missile strike came hours after Israel reportedly targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, according to Iranian state television. The reactor, located about 250 kilometres southwest of Tehran, was evacuated after the strike.
{{/usCountry}}“No radiation danger whatsoever,” an Iranian TV reporter said, reporting live from the nearby town of Khondab.
{{/usCountry}}“No radiation danger whatsoever,” an Iranian TV reporter said, reporting live from the nearby town of Khondab.
{{/usCountry}}The Israeli military confirmed it had launched airstrikes on Tehran and other parts of Iran. It said Iran later fired another round of missiles at Israel, prompting a fresh alert for civilians to take shelter.
{{/usCountry}}The Israeli military confirmed it had launched airstrikes on Tehran and other parts of Iran. It said Iran later fired another round of missiles at Israel, prompting a fresh alert for civilians to take shelter.
{{/usCountry}}On Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader rejected US calls for de-escalation, warning any American involvement would cause “irreparable damage to them.”
As tensions escalate, Israel has already hit Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan and killed several top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists.
Meanwhile, Iran has responded by launching around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and injuring hundreds. Many of these missiles hit civilian areas, including apartment blocks.
The Arak facility has long been a concern for Israel and Western powers due to its potential to produce plutonium, which can be used in nuclear weapons. Although Iran agreed to redesign the reactor under the 2015 nuclear deal, restrictions on international inspections have led to uncertainty about its current capabilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last visited Arak on May 14 and has expressed concerns about losing track of Iran’s heavy water production. The agency has warned against military attacks on nuclear sites, urging restraint from all sides.
