Fact Check: "Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in Israel, wounding 240."
What We Know
On June 19, 2025, Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in southern Israel, specifically the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, resulting in extensive damage and wounding at least 240 individuals. This incident occurred amidst ongoing military exchanges between Israel and Iran, with both nations conducting airstrikes against each other. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attributed the attack to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and stated that the military had been instructed to take decisive action against him (AP News, 9News).
Reports confirm that the missile strikes not only targeted the hospital but also residential buildings in Tel Aviv, further contributing to the casualty count (PBS, Yahoo News). The situation has escalated tensions in the region, with both sides engaging in retaliatory strikes.
Analysis
The claim that Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in Israel and wounded 240 people is corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press, a well-established news organization, reported that the missile attack caused significant injuries and damage, aligning with the details provided by other outlets such as PBS and 9News. These sources consistently reported the same figures regarding the number of wounded, which adds credibility to the claim (AP News, PBS, 9News).
In evaluating the reliability of these sources, the Associated Press is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and fact-checking processes, making it a credible source of information. Similarly, PBS and 9News are reputable news organizations that adhere to journalistic integrity. The consistency across these reports suggests that the information is accurate and reflects the reality of the situation.
However, it is essential to note that the context of the conflict may lead to varying interpretations of the events. While the reports indicate a high number of casualties, the political and military narratives surrounding the conflict could influence how these events are portrayed by different media outlets. Nonetheless, the core facts regarding the missile strike and its consequences remain consistent across multiple credible sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in Israel, wounding 240 people, is supported by multiple credible news reports. The consistency of the information across reputable sources confirms the accuracy of the claim, despite the complex and evolving nature of the conflict.