Soroka in Ruins: 80 injured in cruel attack 

This morning, Soroka Medical Center sustained an unprecedented direct hit, marking a historic first in Israel’s healthcare system. The primary damage was to the northern surgical building and several critical infrastructure systems, including gas, water, and air conditioning. Additionally, extensive damage was caused to other hospital buildings due to the blast wave.

Since the onset of Operation “Like a Lion,” the hospital’s emergency command decided to transfer patients from unprotected areas to fortified locations, including an underground complex. Departments in the directly hit surgical building were also relocated to protected areas yesterday.

Approximately 80 people were injured in the incident, half of them hospital staff. All injuries were reported as minor, including cases of shock. All casualties received immediate medical treatment at Soroka’s emergency department.

Due to the damage, the medical center is currently closed to new patients, except for urgent, life-saving cases. All Soroka staff across all sectors are working responsibly and dedicatedly to continue treating the injured and maintaining essential operations.

In collaboration with the Home Front Command, comprehensive inspections of all buildings, including damaged operating rooms, were conducted. Further updates on the gradual resumping of activities will be provided.

At the time of the attack, over 700 patients were hospitalized at Soroka. Since this morning, dozens of patients have been discharged, and dozens more have been transferred to other hospitals. Currently, approximately 300 patients remain, representing about 26% of the hospital’s capacity.

The public is requested not to come to the hospital except for urgent, life-threatening medical emergencies. Pregnant women in urgent conditions may go to the fortified Saban Center for Midwifery. Other expectant mothers are asked to seek care at alternative hospitals at this time.

Yasmin Amos, Assistant Spokesperson, Soroka Medical Center