Fact Check: IRGC Claims Soroka Medical Center is Near Military Command Center
What We Know
The claim that the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel, is located near military command centers has been substantiated by various reports. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that their missile strikes targeted Israeli military facilities adjacent to the hospital. According to an article from the New York Times, the Soroka Medical Center was indeed struck by Iranian missiles, marking the first direct hit on a hospital since the recent escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel. The hospital reported significant damage and was treating patients with minor injuries following the attack.
Further corroboration comes from reports indicating that the Soroka Medical Center is situated near the Gav-Yam Technology Park, which houses critical military and cyber command installations, including the Israeli army's main intelligence headquarters and other military facilities (Tehran Times). This proximity supports the IRGC's assertion that their strikes were aimed at military targets rather than civilian infrastructure.
Analysis
The credibility of the sources reporting on this incident varies. The New York Times is a well-established news organization known for its rigorous fact-checking and journalistic standards, making its reporting reliable (source-1). On the other hand, the Iranian state media, such as the Fars News Agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC, may present information that reflects the Iranian government's perspective, potentially leading to bias (source-4).
The claims made by the IRGC about targeting military facilities are further supported by the Times of Israel, which reported significant damage to the Soroka Medical Center and confirmed that the hospital had been evacuated in anticipation of such strikes (source-6). However, Iranian officials have denied intentionally targeting the hospital, framing their missile strikes as aimed at military objectives, which complicates the narrative (source-5).
The assertion that the Soroka Medical Center is near military command centers is reinforced by the fact that the Gav-Yam Technology Park is known to host key military installations, thus lending some credibility to the IRGC's claims about their targeting strategy.
Conclusion
The claim that the IRGC stated the Soroka Medical Center is near military command centers is True. The evidence indicates that the hospital is located close to significant military infrastructure, and the IRGC's missile strikes were aimed at these military targets. While there are conflicting reports regarding the intent behind the strikes, the geographical proximity of the hospital to military facilities supports the IRGC's assertion.
