The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran escalated sharply on Thursday, June 19, as both nations exchanged heavy fire in what has become one of the most intense confrontations in the region’s recent history. On the seventh day of the military standoff, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor – a critical part of its nuclear infrastructure – just hours after issuing evacuation warnings.
In a retaliatory move, Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles, with one striking the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, the region’s largest hospital. Officials confirmed “extensive damage” to the facility, which led to the evacuation of around 250 patients and left the hospital only partially functional. At least 47 people were injured in the Iranian strikes, according to emergency services.
The conflict began on June 12 when Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’, a series of surprise attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Israel has defended its actions by stating that Iran was on the brink of developing nuclear weapons, posing a direct threat to Israeli national security.
International concern over the escalating violence has grown, especially following attacks on medical facilities in both countries. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the targeting of healthcare centers, calling the situation “appalling.”
“This morning’s attack on Soroka Medical Center in Israel – the only major hospital in the south – resulted in dozens of injuries and damage that has left the hospital only partially operational,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Dr Tedros also highlighted the toll on Iranian medical workers. He noted that three Iranian Red Crescent Society health workers were killed in Tehran during rescue operations following an earlier Israeli airstrike. Additionally, a hospital in Kermanshah suffered damage to its ICU unit due to a nearby explosion, injuring 15 staff and patients.
Meanwhile, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, speaking from outside Tehran, issued a strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire. In an exclusive message published by Time magazine, she urged fellow Nobel laureates and global human rights organizations to unite in calling for peace.
“The scale of destruction already resembles that of a months-long conflict,” Mohammadi said, warning that the war has already displaced millions of Iranians and inflicted “devastating” damage on civilian life.
As the international community watches with growing alarm, calls for de-escalation and humanitarian access continue to mount. However, with both sides showing no signs of backing down, the region faces the risk of an even deeper and more prolonged crisis.
