Iran Missile Hits Israeli Hospital, Escalating Conflict

Beersheba, June 19 (AP): In the early hours of Thursday, a missile launched by Iran struck the main hospital in southern Israel, causing significant damage but no severe injuries, the medical staff reported. Footage showing shattered windows and dense black smoke was broadcasted by Israeli media.

Other missiles impacted a high-rise and various residential buildings near Tel Aviv, injuring at least 40 people, as per Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service. Israel responded by striking Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, escalating the ongoing conflict that began with Israeli airstrikes on military targets, senior officers, and nuclear scientists.

Missile Hits Beersheba Hospital: Heavy smoke rose from Beersheba's Soroka Medical Centre as emergency teams moved patients. Two doctors, requesting anonymity due to media briefing restrictions, stated the missile exploded shortly after air raid sirens, with the blast echoing through safe rooms. The hospital, which was impacted on an old surgery building recently evacuated, has restricted operations to critical cases only.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the hospital attack, promising retaliation: "We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran." Despite Israel's advanced air defense systems, some missiles reach target zones, officials admitted. Local police commander Haim Bublil reported minor injuries and ongoing searches amid fires in affected buildings.

Hospitals across Israel have activated emergency plans, utilizing underground spaces as wards, especially for vulnerable patients on ventilators.

No Radiation Threat After Israeli Strike: Israel targeted Arak's reactor core to prevent plutonium production. Israeli forces also hit another nuclear-related site near Natanz. Iranian state media assured there was "no radiation danger," reporting the evacuation of Arak without civilian area damage. Israel had forewarned the public to vacate the area.

Iran Defiant Amid Nuclear Tensions: Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, despite enriching uranium to levels near weapons-grade. As the only undeclared nuclear-armed state in the region, Israel remains vigilant. Strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure have been strategic, targeting key locations and personnel amid rising rhetoric, with Iran rejecting US demands to end its nuclear ambitions.

In response to Israeli actions, Iran launched around 400 missiles and numerous drones, killing 24 in Israel. A rights group reported 639 fatalities in Iran, including 263 civilians, due to the conflict.

Controversial History of Arak Reactor: Arak, southwest of Tehran, was redesigned under a 2015 nuclear agreement to mitigate proliferation concerns. Yet, since the US withdrew from the deal in 2018, tensions have intensified. Iran took measures to preserve reactor capabilities, casting doubt on its disarmament commitments.

Israel's recent attack underscores its ongoing concerns over potential plutonium production for nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency has cautioned against such strikes, though restrictions by Iran have complicated verification of compliance, emphasizing the precarious situation.

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