Iranian Missiles Strike Israeli Hospital and Residential Areas
Tel Aviv, June 19, 2025 — Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated sharply this week as Iranian missile attacks struck several civilian sites in central and southern Israel, including a hospital and multiple residential buildings, according to Israeli officials.
The Israeli government confirmed that a series of ballistic missiles launched by Iran hit a hospital in Ashkelon, causing significant structural damage and injuring dozens. At least six civilians were killed in the strike, including two hospital staff members and a child. Health officials say emergency operations had to be temporarily suspended while patients were moved to safer areas.
In addition to the hospital, residential buildings in Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Ramat Gan also came under fire. Firefighters and rescue teams responded quickly to the affected neighborhoods, where dozens of apartments were either destroyed or left uninhabitable. Video footage from the scene showed smoke billowing from high-rise buildings and civilians running for shelter as sirens echoed across the cities.
“This was a direct attack on civilians,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz in a press briefing. “Iran will bear full responsibility for this blatant violation of international law. We are responding with full force.”
The missile attack is believed to be part of Iran’s retaliation following Israel’s airstrikes last week on Iranian military sites and nuclear facilities. Iran had warned that it would target Israeli infrastructure and military bases, but this latest development marks the first confirmed strike on civilian healthcare facilities in the current conflict.
According to Israeli military sources, Iran launched more than 120 missiles, with several intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. However, a number of missiles breached the defense, leading to casualties and extensive damage.
“This is not just a military issue; it is a humanitarian crisis in the making,” said Dr. Lior Shapira, chief of emergency medicine at the targeted Ashkelon hospital. “We had to evacuate intensive care patients under fire. It’s a miracle more lives weren’t lost.”
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The United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have condemned the attacks, urging both Iran and Israel to exercise restraint and avoid targeting civilian infrastructure. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and warned that further escalation could trigger a wider regional war.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel will continue to defend itself. “We will not stand by while our civilians are targeted. We are prepared for any scenario, and our response will be decisive,” he said.
Global reactions were swift. The United States reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while urging all parties to avoid further civilian harm. European leaders expressed concern over the escalating violence and called for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further bloodshed.
As of Thursday morning, emergency services remain on high alert across Israel, with bomb shelters open in major cities and schools temporarily closed in affected areas.
The situation continues to evolve, with fears growing that this latest exchange could lead to a broader conflict involving other regional players. Both Israeli and Iranian military units remain on full alert, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate appear to have stalled.
