• An Iranian missile struck the Soroka Hospital in southern Israel, causing extensive damage.
• The strike prompted Israeli officials to vow retaliation against Tehran's leadership.
• Both countries have experienced significant casualties amidst ongoing military exchanges.

In a severe escalation of hostilities, an Iranian missile struck the Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva on Thursday, inflicting substantial damage and injuries. The attack is a part of a wider conflict that has seen military exchanges between Israel and Iran for seven consecutive days, with both sides claiming significant casualties. Reports indicate that at least 89 injuries resulted from the missile strikes across Israel, including damage to civilian infrastructure, as stated by India Times and CBS News.

Israeli leaders reacted swiftly to the missile attacks, categorizing the strike on the Soroka Hospital as a marked escalation in the aggression exhibited by the Iranian regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran would "pay a heavy price" for the attack, while Israel's Foreign Minister labeled it a "war crime" that targeted innocent civilians. Meanwhile, the Iranian regime justified its missile strikes as targeted responses against military installations, according to statements made in Iranian state media, as noted by Middle East Eye and BBC.

The Soroka Medical Center, which has over 1,000 beds catering to approximately 1 million residents, sustained extensive damage from the missile strike. Damage assessments indicated that several wards were demolished, and civilian injuries necessitated evacuations from the hospital. Israeli military officials reported that calls for evacuations were made in advance, which saved lives, further emphasizing the tumultuous situation at the hospital and across Israel's southern regions, as detailed by NPR and Le Monde.

The continued military exchanges include Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran's Arak heavy water reactor and other nuclear facilities in the ongoing attempt to thwart Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The latest strike confirms Israel's commitment to undermine Iranian military infrastructure amid dire warnings from both nations' leadership. Israeli officials assert that their retaliatory operations are focused on strategic Iranian military targets, intensifying the conflict, reported India Times and CBS News.