Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates: Hospital Struck, Nuclear Sites Targeted Amid Global Calls for Ceasefire

An Iranian missile strike on an Israeli hospital escalated the Iran-Israel conflict, prompting heavy Israeli retaliation targeting nuclear sites. At least 47 were injured. Global powers, including China and Russia, pushed for a ceasefire, while evacuations of foreign nationals began amid fears of a wider regional war.

Tensions between Iran and Israel surged to new heights on Thursday, marking the seventh day of relentless military conflict. In a significant and alarming escalation, an Iranian ballistic missile struck the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel’s largest hospital in the south, injuring dozens and causing extensive damage. The Israeli government condemned the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians, while Iran claimed the intended target was a nearby military base.

In retaliation, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched strikes on multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Arak heavy water reactor, and facilities in Bushehr, Isfahan, and Natanz. Though Iran's nuclear body confirmed these attacks, it reported no radiation leaks due to preemptive evacuations. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated there were “no radiological effects” as the Arak reactor was inactive.

Amid the chaos, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz compared Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei to “a modern Hitler,” vowing intensified strikes to dismantle Iran’s strategic infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, promising a severe response to Iran’s “terrorist regime.”

Meanwhile, international concern mounted rapidly. China called for an immediate ceasefire, urging Israel to halt its attacks, while President Xi Jinping emphasized peaceful dialogue during a phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Iran’s foreign minister announced participation in upcoming nuclear talks in Geneva and a special OIC session in Turkey.

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Civilian evacuations are ongoing, with countries like China, South Korea, and the United States relocating their nationals from the region. As air raid sirens continue to wail across Israel and missile fire echoes over Tehran, global diplomatic efforts intensify to halt the deepening crisis and avert a full-scale regional war.