Iranian missile hits Tel Aviv in direct strike | WATCH
This in addition to the deadly assault on Israel's famed Soroka Hospital, which Iran claims is an acceptable target.
el Aviv was among the primary targets of an Iranian missile barrage early Thursday morning, as part of a 25-30 missile attack launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting multiple Israeli cities, including Be’er Sheva, Holon, and Ramat Gan. The assault, involving advanced ballistic missiles like the Sejil and Khurramshahr, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, now in its seventh day.
In Tel Aviv, multiple impacts were reported, with at least four direct hits causing significant damage to residential and commercial areas. A residential building in central Tel Aviv was struck, with footage showing fires raging in apartments and smoke billowing from the structure. Shrapnel from intercepted missiles also caused secondary damage, including a fire at the Savyon home of former minister Danny Naveh, sparked by interception debris. Magen David Adom (MDA) reported 44 injuries nationwide, with Tel Aviv seeing a portion of these: three in serious condition, two in moderate condition, and dozens with light injuries, primarily from shrapnel and shockwaves. No fatalities were reported in Tel Aviv itself, though the broader barrage contributed to a rising casualty toll.
Iranian state media claimed the strikes targeted military and intelligence sites, including an alleged command headquarters near Tel Aviv’s Kirya military complex, though the IDF refuted these claims, asserting that civilian areas were deliberately targeted. The IDF’s Iron Dome and other air defense systems intercepted most missiles, but several broke through, hitting densely populated areas. Videos circulating on social media showed missiles streaking over Tel Aviv’s skyline, followed by explosions and plumes of smoke, with emergency services rushing to impacted sites.
In addition to this, Iranian missiles targeted Israel's famed Soroka hospital. Four separate direct hits on the hospital were reported.
The attack, part of Iran’s retaliatory strikes amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, caused significant damage to the hospital, particularly to the old surgical ward building, which had been evacuated in recent days.
Soroka’s Director-General, Prof. Shlomi Kodesh, reported “widespread damage” across several areas, with the emergency room treating minor injuries, primarily from blast shockwaves. No fatalities were reported at the hospital, largely due to a timely evacuation order issued the previous day to clear the affected floor, a decision the CEO of Magen David Adom (MDA) credited with saving hundreds of lives. The Ministry of Health ordered the transfer of about 150 patients from internal medicine departments to other hospitals, including Barzilai, Assuta Ashdod, Sheba, Hadassah, and Beilinson.
Initial reports of a hazardous materials leak prompted fears of a full evacuation, with some sources claiming 200 ambulances were mobilized, but the Ministry of Environmental Protection later confirmed no chemical leak occurred after on-site inspections. The hospital remains closed except for emergencies, and the public has been asked to avoid visiting.
Iranian media, including the Fars News Agency, claimed the strike targeted an Israeli military command and intelligence headquarters near Soroka, alleging Israel used the hospital as a shield. The IRGC confirmed the use of advanced missiles, including the Sejil and Khurramshahr, with the latter’s launch footage published
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack as a war crime, with Katz accusing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of orchestrating strikes on civilian centers from a fortified bunker. The IDF reported ongoing retaliatory strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, including surface-to-surface missile launchers, with Katz vowing to destabilize the Iranian regime. The attack on Tel Aviv, a major economic and cultural hub, has heightened fears of further escalation, with Home Front Command urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to shelter protocols.
The barrage follows earlier Iranian missile attacks on Tel Aviv since June 13, which have killed at least 24 Israelis and injured hundreds, per various reports. The conflict, sparked by Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran’s nuclear program, has seen both sides exchange heavy blows, with Tel Aviv’s resilience tested amid repeated assaults.