In a dramatic escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, a massive exchange of airstrikes unfolded on Thursday, pushing the region closer to all-out war.
Early in the morning, the <a title="Israel" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/iran-s-nuclear-drive-threatens-global-peace-israel-envoy/14210" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Israeli</a> Air Force targeted Iran&rsquo;s Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. The facility, which was under construction and reportedly set to be operational by next year, had been evacuated prior to the strike. Iranian authorities stated that there was no radiation leak or threat following the attack. The pre-dawn strike followed a direct warning issued by Israeli authorities via social media, in which civilians were urged to leave the area. A satellite image of the site, marked for precision targeting, was shared just hours before the attack.
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This Israeli offensive marks the seventh consecutive day of strikes on Iranian territory, intensifying after Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader dismissed international calls for de-escalation and warned the United States that any intervention would lead to &ldquo;irreparable consequences.&rdquo;
In a swift and forceful response, <a title="Iran" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/tehran-tel-aviv-burn-as-war-enters-sixth-day/14121" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iran</a> launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting several Israeli cities. Among the most shocking developments was the direct strike on Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. Sirens rang out across the country as the missiles rained down, striking Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Holon, and Beersheba.
Soroka Medical Center suffered extensive damage in the attack, with parts of the building left in ruins. Emergency crews rushed to rescue individuals trapped in lifts within the hospital. At least one 60-year-old man remains in critical condition due to injuries from the blast and shrapnel.
Magen David Adom (MDA) reported at least 25 people were lightly injured across the country, with Holon&rsquo;s Wolfson Medical Center treating three individuals in serious condition.
The missile strike on Holon also caused severe infrastructure damage, injuring nearly two dozen people. Fire and rescue services remain on high alert as search and medical operations continue.
Large explosions echoed across Israel, with multiple direct impacts recorded in densely populated urban centres. Initial estimates indicate that at least 20 ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian territory in this retaliatory assault.
This exchange marks a significant escalation in the long-simmering conflict between the two regional powers. With healthcare infrastructure now directly targeted, and nuclear sites brought into the crosshairs, the risks of further spiralling violence have sharply increased.
International calls for restraint continue to grow louder, but with both sides hardening their rhetoric and expanding the scope of military targets, a broader regional conflict is looking increasingly difficult to avoid.
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Missiles hit hospital and major cities as Israel-Iran conflict spirals into open warfare

Israel Hits Arak Reactor, Iran Strikes Back Hard

Missiles hit hospital and major cities as Israel-Iran conflict spirals into open warfare

June 19, 2025 | 11:26 IST