Bedside Blast Horror: Israeli Hospital Struck Amid Iranian Missile Barrage"

Thick black smoke continued to rise from Soroka Medical Center hours after an Iranian missile struck the Israeli hospital complex on Thursday. Shrapnel fragments—some identified as missile components—lay scattered across a 200-meter radius as emergency vehicles lined surrounding roads.

Patient Alon Uzi recounted the terrifying moment from his emergency department bed: "I was lying down when I heard a massive boom. Before I could react, the ceiling collapsed and covered me in white dust. There was no time to move—just a whistling sound before impact." Uzi escaped with only his belongings after being unable to reach shelter.

"The upper section is cracked and everything looks broken. We were incredibly fortunate," said Professor Asher Bashiri, director of the maternity ward, observing the damage. "But this nightmare continues—we don’t know what tomorrow brings."

Hospital director Dr. Shlomi Codish confirmed the surgical building suffered direct hits, demolishing several wards and causing extensive structural damage. Over 200 patients are being evacuated amid fears of further collapses. Medical staff had previously moved patients to underground shelters when hostilities began, potentially preventing greater casualties.

Political Fury and Regional Tensions

Israeli ministers converged on the site, with Culture Minister Miki Zohar (Likud party) declaring: "Iran’s regime targets innocents. When facing evil, we fight differently—our retaliation will be decisive." When questioned about Israeli strikes on Gaza hospitals, Zohar asserted Israel warns civilians beforehand, claiming this distinguishes their actions.

Iranian state media countered that their missiles targeted the Gav-Yam tech park 3km away, not the hospital. The attack followed U.S. President Trump’s demand for Iran’s "unconditional surrender" and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this week.

Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran’s Supreme Leader of "grave war crimes," while Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to "exact full payment from Tehran’s tyrants."

The incident underscores escalating volatility in the region, with both nations demonstrating willingness to broaden conflict horizons. U.S. involvement remains uncertain as tensions threaten to spiral further.