137 injured in Israel, damage to Iran’s nuclear facility on 7th day of conflict

On the seventh day of the ongoing conflict, Iran launched 30 more ballistic missiles, causing widespread damage in central and southern Israel. At least 137 Israelis have been injured so far, including 18 who were wounded while attempting to reach shelters during the strikes.

Meanwhile, although no casualties have been reported in Iran from Israeli strikes, several of the country’s nuclear facilities have sustained damage.

Since early Thursday (June 19), both sides have been launching missiles, drones, and airstrikes. International observers see this escalation as the beginning of a new phase of tension.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted that the Iranian attacks were well-planned and multi-targeted, specifically hitting the Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Be’er Sheva, the city of Holon near Tel Aviv, and Ramat Gan in the central region. At least seven places, including the Soroka hospital, were directly struck by missiles. Loud explosions were also heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Israel’s emergency services agency Magen David Adom (MDA) and the Times of Israel reported that hospitals have declared a state of emergency to treat the injured. In Holon, 42 people suffered minor injuries, three were moderately injured, and three others are in critical condition — including an elderly man in his 80s and two women in their 70s. In Ramat Gan, 20 people had minor injuries, while another 69 were injured in areas near Tel Aviv, including the Soroka hospital.

Israeli authorities are still assessing the damage, and air raid alerts have been issued across central and northern parts of the country.

Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel accused Iran of intentionally targeting the Soroka hospital. However, Iran responded by saying their actual target was a nearby military installation in Be’er Sheva, not the hospital. In a statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said that Thursday’s attacks were part of their “14th powerful coordinated military operation” targeting enemy strategic locations.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Telegram that the main targets of Thursday morning’s missile strikes were the Israeli army’s command and intelligence headquarters, and a military intelligence base located in the Gav-Yam Technology Park in Be’er Sheva — right next to the Soroka hospital. According to IRNA, these military sites were the direct and accurate targets, and the hospital only suffered minor damage from the blast waves.

Meanwhile, Reuters, citing Iran’s state television, reported that Israel targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. Explosions were also heard in Tehran and near the western city of Karaj.

According to Lebanese media outlet Al Mayadeen, as reported by Al Jazeera, Israeli strikes also hit military installations around Karaj and succeeded in weakening parts of Iran’s air defense system.

AFP reported that before launching attacks on military infrastructure, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had advised residents of Arak and Khondab villages to evacuate. An emergency alert was also issued on Telegram in both Arabic and Persian, urging those living or working near the nuclear reactor to leave the area immediately. Despite the strike, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that there were no radioactive leaks from the reactor.