Iran launches major missile strike on Israel amid internet blackout; hospital hit, tensions soar

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran launched a powerful barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, causing panic, injuries, and significant structural damage, including a direct hit on Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, the largest hospital in southern Israel. The attack came just hours after Iran was plunged into a 12-hour nationwide internet blackout, reportedly imposed by its own government to block alleged Israeli military cyber operations.

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According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), multiple missiles were detected from Iranian territory. At least four struck targets in central and southern Israel, though the full extent of casualties and damage remains under assessment. One of the most devastating impacts was at Soroka Hospital, where a missile struck the main facility, triggering a large explosion. Footage showed patients and staff fleeing in terror as smoke engulfed the building and alarms rang out.

🚨 🚨 🚨 SOROKA HOSPITAL IN ISRAEL HIT BY IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE pic.twitter.com/xK2HBPSeeV

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911)

🚨 🚨 🚨 SOROKA HOSPITAL IN ISRAEL HIT BY IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE pic.twitter.com/xK2HBPSeeV

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 19, 2025

">June 19, 2025

The incident has heightened fears of all-out war, with air raid sirens blaring across the country throughout the day. Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, emphasized the growing threat posed by Iran’s expanding ballistic missile program. Speaking to media, he warned that Israel may need to act alone if the US opts not to intervene, adding cryptically, “We have a few tricks up our sleeves.”