Escalation in Israel-Iran Conflict: Regional Tensions Soar

An Iranian missile hit a hospital in southern Israel, causing extensive damage but no serious injuries, amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran's nuclear sites, including the Arak reactor. Diplomacy efforts are ongoing, with international leaders calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access.

An early Thursday missile strike by Iran targeted a primary hospital in southern Israel, causing significant damage but no serious injuries, according to the medical facility. Footage released by Israeli media displayed shattered windows and dense black smoke erupting from the site.

Additional missile attacks impacted a high-rise residential building in Tel Aviv and various other locations across central Israel. The Israeli Health Ministry reported that at least 240 individuals sustained injuries, with four injuries classified as severe.

In a statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responsible, instructing the military that his continued existence contradicts Israel's objectives. Consequently, Israeli strikes have targeted Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, affecting its nuclear program, though Iranian broadcast claims it posed no radiation risk due to prior evacuation.

(With inputs from agencies.)