Iran-Israel War Live Updates: Israel Vows Escalation After Missile Strike on Hospital; Khamenei Blamed

Beersheba/Tel Aviv/Tehran: The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified sharply on Thursday, with missiles fired by Iran directly hitting the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, the largest hospital in southern Israel. Israeli officials reported “extensive damage” to the facility, with visuals circulating online showing scenes of chaos and destruction inside the hospital.

According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), several missile strikes were registered across Israel, including in Ramat Gan and central Tel Aviv, with at least 47 people injured, including 16 in Tel Aviv alone. Among them, three are in serious condition, according to hospital authorities.

Israel’s Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, announced that the IDF has been instructed to “intensify attacks on Iran”, targeting strategic and government infrastructure, including nuclear and missile facilities. He declared Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, would be held accountable for what Israel labeled as “war crimes”.

Iran Responds: Claims Military Target, Not Hospital

Iranian authorities denied deliberately targeting the hospital, stating the intended strike was aimed at an Israeli military intelligence base located near the hospital. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the target was the IDF C4I base and Army Intelligence Camp in the Gav-Yam Technology Park.

Despite the justification, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister called the strike a “deliberate and criminal act”, while PM Netanyahu vowed to exact a “full price from the tyrants in Tehran”.

Nuclear Sites and Global Concern

The IDF confirmed strikes on several Iranian sites, including:

• Arak’s heavy water reactor (evacuated beforehand),
  
• A nuclear weapons development site near Natanz,
  
• Missile production and radar facilities.
  

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization accused Israel of targeting the Khondab research reactor, calling it a violation of international law. Iran also criticized the IAEA for not taking action despite repeated warnings.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to attend a special OIC meeting in Istanbul, focusing on the ongoing Israeli attacks.

Global Reactions & Evacuations

Global powers urged restraint:

• China demanded an immediate ceasefire, condemning the “use of force”.
  
• Egypt pushed for a diplomatic resolution via European partners.
  
• Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, warned against escalating tensions, especially any targeting of Iranian leadership, which could throw the entire region into chaos.
  

Amidst the chaos, governments worldwide have begun evacuating their citizens from both Iran and Israel, with some resorting to land routes through third-party nations due to airspace closures.

Footage of Impact & Casualties

Disturbing visuals aired on Israeli TV and shared by journalists showed thick smoke clouds over the Soroka Medical Center, with staff and patients seen fleeing, crying, and navigating debris-strewn corridors. Videos also captured the moment of impact, showing a massive explosion near the hospital.

Israeli emergency services said more than 32 people were injured in multiple locations following the barrage of dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles.

Iranian Stance: “We Never Welcomed War”

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran “never welcomed any war” but maintained that the country’s military leadership has “all necessary options on the table.”