A series of Iranian missile strikes hit central and southern Israel early Thursday, June 19, injuring at least 47 people and damaging key locations, including a major hospital and residential areas near Tel Aviv, according to Israeli officials and rescue services.
One of the primary targets was Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, a critical facility that also treats soldiers injured in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the strikes, calling them an attack on civilians and healthcare infrastructure, and warned that Iran would “pay a heavy price.”
“This morning, Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital… and at civilians in the centre of the country,” Netanyahu wrote on X. “We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price.”
A spokesperson for Soroka confirmed the hospital had sustained damage and advised the public to avoid the area as officials assessed the full impact. Footage from AFP showed smoke rising from the hospital grounds.
In addition to Beersheba, the missile barrage struck towns near Tel Aviv, including Ramat Gan and Holon. Photos from the scene revealed shattered windows and debris scattered across streets. Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), confirmed 47 injuries—three seriously hurt, two in moderate condition, and 18 injured while rushing to bomb shelters.
“These are among the gravest war crimes,” said Defence Minister Israel Katz. “Khamenei will be held accountable.” He added that Israeli forces had been directed to intensify their response by targeting strategic infrastructure in Tehran and other locations.
Air raid sirens sounded across the country as dozens of ballistic missiles were launched. Loud explosions echoed through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem around 7:10 a.m. as Israeli defence systems intercepted incoming missiles.
The attacks represent a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has intensified since the war erupted last Friday. The latest strikes have raised fresh fears of the conflict spreading beyond the region.
