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Wafric News – June 19, 2025

Beer Sheva – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that “all of Israel is paying a price” as the country continues to endure direct attacks from Iran, including a missile strike that damaged Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Beer Sheva.

Speaking from the hospital grounds, Netanyahu drew comparisons to Britain’s wartime resilience during WWII.

“It is really reminiscent of the Blitz spirit of the British people,” he said.
“They hit a hospital where people can’t even get up and run away… near a ward for children and babies.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it targeted what it described as an Israeli intelligence and command post “near a hospital.” The strike caused extensive damage, but no fatalities were reported. Dozens were injured, with some in critical condition.

Iran Launches Unprecedented Missile Barrage

Israel was rocked Thursday by one of the heaviest bombardments in recent days, with Iranian missiles and drones hitting multiple locations across the country. Among the weapons launched was a ballistic missile carrying multiple warheads, a first of its kind to land on Israeli soil, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF reported that at least 450 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones were launched, with many intercepted mid-air. However, the damage on the ground was undeniable.

“This is not a simple operation, but it is critical for us,” said IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin during a press briefing.

The IDF claims to have destroyed around two-thirds of Iran’s missile launchers but estimates that over 100 remain operational. It also confirmed strikes on Iranian ballistic missile production sites, as part of a broader retaliation strategy.

Israel Vows to "Intensify Strikes"

Following the strike on the hospital, Israel’s defense minister has ordered intensified military action against what it calls “strategic targets” in Iran. The directive comes amid growing condemnation from Israeli officials over the targeting of civilian and medical infrastructure.

The Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheva following a missile strike on Thursday.
Emergency personnel walk at at Soroka Medical Center on Thursday.
Health Minister Uriel Busso called Iran’s actions a “red line,” warning that attacks on hospitals will not be tolerated under international law.

Diplomatic Fronts Open in Europe

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet with representatives from three European nations in Geneva on Friday, in talks facilitated by European governments concerned about the spiraling conflict.

As the fighting escalates, fears are mounting on both sides. Inside Iran, citizens report growing anxiety, with some fleeing major cities like Tehran, while others remain defiant amid the uncertainty.


By WafricNews Desk.

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