Tel Aviv, June 19: An Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Hospital in Israel’s Beersheba, seriously injuring several patients, doctors, and staff as the conflict entered its seventh day on Thursday.

“Soroka Hospital in Beersheba — where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouin receive care — was just hit by an indiscriminate Iranian ballistic missile. Israel will continue to do what must be done to protect all its people, from all walks of life,” the Israel Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Iran fired around 30 ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, and one of them struck the hospital in Beersheba.

President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, took to his social media to narrate the horrific scenes in the hospital after the attack on the civilians.

“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 neighbours 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,” the President posted on X.

“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,” the post added.

Condemning the attack on the hospital, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This morning, Iran’s terrorist tyrants launched missiles at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and at a civilian population in the centre of the country. We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticised the Iranian regime, stating that it intentionally attacks the civilian population.

“The Iranian regime fired a ballistic missile at a hospital. The Iranian regime deliberately targets civilians. The Iranian regime is committing war crimes. The Iranian regime has no red lines,” the Foreign Minister said in a post on X.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel slammed Iran’s “deliberate” and “criminal” activities and posted, “Iran just hit Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva with a ballistic missile. Not a military base. A hospital. This is the main medical centre for Israel’s entire Negev region. Deliberate. Criminal. Civilian target. The world must speak out.”

The conflict erupted last Friday when Netanyahu announced the launch of ‘Operation Rising Lion’ against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s survival.

United Nations, June 19: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the immediate de-escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict and for an ensuing ceasefire.

“I remain profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire,” said Guterres in a statement on Wednesday.

According to media, he warned against the expansion of the conflict and the involvement of other countries.

“I strongly appeal to all to avoid any further internationalisation of the conflict. Any additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for those involved but for the whole region and for international peace and security at large.”

Guterres condemned the strikes that have caused the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives and injuries to civilians and damage to homes and critical civilian infrastructure.

He said diplomacy remains the best and only way to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues.

“The UN Charter remains our shared framework to save people from the scourge of war,” he said. “I urge all (UN) member states to comply fully with the charter and international law, including international humanitarian law.”

Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin on Wednesday said that the Israeli Air Force has launched new attacks in western Iran.

He said that Israeli jets flew over launch and storage sites for surface-to-surface missiles on Wednesday evening, targeting operatives attempting to access and remove munitions from locations previously struck.

According to the spokesperson, this marked the third major wave of Israeli airstrikes over Iran in the past 24 hours. The initial overnight operation involved more than 50 fighter jets hitting approximately 40 targets around Tehran.

“Among the targets struck was a centrifuge production site, a key component in the Iranian regime’s efforts to enrich uranium,” he said, adding that another target struck overnight was a site near Tehran used to manufacture anti-tank missiles, some of which were intended for the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

The second wave of strikes began Wednesday afternoon, with over 20 additional targets in the Tehran area hit.

Tel Aviv, June 18: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that the “battle has begun” after Tehran launched a hypersonic missile at Israel. This escalation has intensified the already volatile conflict, as the military confrontation between Iran and Israel enters its sixth day on Wednesday.

Israel has carried out a series of devastating airstrikes on Iranian territory, reportedly killing at least 224 individuals. Among the casualties are senior military figures, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched several attacks on Israeli targets, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people, including women and children, according to Israeli officials.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military confirmed the detection of additional missile launches originating from Iran.

The situation has drawn global concern, prompting US President Donald Trump to cut short his participation in the G7 summit in Canada. Before departing, he expressed firm support for Israel and issued a stark warning to residents of Tehran, advising them to evacuate in anticipation of potential escalation.

The conflict erupted last Friday when Israel initiated a large-scale offensive aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities. This action prompted swift and aggressive retaliation from Tehran, pushing the region closer to the brink of a broader war.

These developments come amid ongoing but fragile diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the media, stating that Israel’s actions have significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “I believe we have set them back a very, very long time,” he asserted.