'So sad': Israelis shocked by Iran strike on hospital
The strike in the southern city of Beersheba caused extensive damage to the hospital's entrance hall and several departments, including the ophthalmology unit on the third floor of the surgical building.
The explosion shattered windows, hurling glass across the hospital, brought ceilings crashing down, destroyed medical equipment and left corridors in disarray.
"It's so sad, I never thought something like this could happen. Never. It's only medical professionals here, and patients... and look what happened to us," Wasim Hin, an ophthalmologist at Soroka Medical Centre, told AFP.
"Here we have new equipment, everything was destroyed."
Yael Tiv, an officer in the Home Front command, said the damage was the result of a "direct hit" by a missile.
"You can see the damage inside. Shattered windows, the ceilings that fell. It's a really awful scenario inside," she added.
The hospital's director and other workers said that lives had been saved because the structure hit in the attack had been evacuated in recent days.
Building evacuated
"It's a miracle. The building had just been evacuated," maintenance worker Kevin Azoulay told AFP.
Even still, 40 people sustained injuries during the attack.
"Several wards were completely demolished and there is extensive damage across the entire hospital with damage to buildings, structures, windows, ceilings across the medical centre," director Shlomi Codish told journalists.
Israel's multi-layered air defence systems have managed to intercept most of the missiles and drones targeting the country during the last week of fighting between Israel and Iran.
But some have managed to slip through, wreaking widespread damage at the point of impact.
The Soroka complex is the largest hospital in southern Israel and a primary medical centre for Bedouin communities in the Negev Desert, as well as for wounded Israeli soldiers returning from the war in Gaza.
The UN's World Health Organisation leader on Thursday denounced attacks on health facilities in the Iran-Israel war as "appalling".
At the WHO annual assembly last month, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had also urged Israel to show "mercy" in its bombardment and siege of Gaza, saying it was "wrong to weaponise" food and medical supplies.
'Pay a heavy price'
Arriving at the scene of Soroka Hospital to survey the damage Thursday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed swift revenge for the attack.
"We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price," Netanyahu said in a post on X.
Iranian authorities later said the barrage had targeted a nearby Israeli command post and intelligence base, according to a report published by the state news agency IRNA.
Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also weighed in.
"In this operation, the regime's command and intelligence centre near a hospital was targeted with highly accurate and guided missiles," the force said in a statement.
Elsewhere in Israel on Thursday, buildings were also damaged in the central towns of Ramat Gan and Holon, close to coastal hub Tel Aviv, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian missiles since war broke out between the countries last Friday.
"The truth is, God is with us and the government must keep doing what it's doing," said Renana, a resident of a building hit in Ramat Gan.
Back at Soroka Hospital, Boris Knaizer, who heads the ophthalmology department, was at a loss.
He said the department treated around 50,000 patients a year.
"And now, how are we going to receive them?" he asked. "We have no idea, we have no space, we have no rooms, everything has been destroyed."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Euronews
40 minutes ago
- Euronews
Verifying conflicting accounts of Iran's strike on an Israeli hospital
Conflicting narratives have emerged after an Iranian missile struck an Israeli hospital on Thursday, with Tehran claiming it was targeting military facilities while the Israeli defence minister described the attack as a "war crime." Israel's Health Ministry said 71 people were wounded after missiles struck the Soroka hospital. A spokesperson for the medical facility said there had been no serious casualties as the part of the hospital that was hit directly had already been evacuated. Tehran's top diplomat has claimed that the strike "eliminated" two Israeli military targets. "Our powerful Armed Forces accurately eliminated an Israeli Military Command, Control & Intelligence HQ and another vital target," Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on X, adding that the blast "caused superficial damage to a small section" of the hospital. Euronews' fact-checking team, Euroverify, has analysed videos from the site of the strike and consulted military experts to verify the plausibility of these claims. Video footage that we've verified shows significant destruction to buildings within the hospital complex, as well as medical workers running to evacuate from the site. Other photographic evidence analysed by our team suggest hospital buildings were directly impacted by missiles. We have also geo-located a video that shows the moment the missile hit a hospital building to the north of the Soroka complex, near David Ben Gurion street. This evidence contradicts the Iranian foreign minister's claims that damage to the site was "superficial' and caused by a "blast wave" from a nearby strike. Hospitals have special protection under the Geneva Convention, but lose that protection if used to commit 'acts harmful to the enemy', such as launching an attack or storing weapons. Israel has consistently targeted hospitals in its war in Gaza, claiming they are being used by Hamas militants. No evidence has yet emerged to suggest the Soroka hospital site was being used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Dr. Ron Schleifer, an Israeli expert on information warfare, told Euroverify that the IDF does not use hospitals and other public facilities to "hide behind the civilian population." "A hospital is clearly not a legitimate target, at least in the eyes of the West," Dr Schleifer said, adding that "Israel does not need to hide military installations under hospitals." Yet, Iran has not alleged the hospital itself was being used for warring purposes, but rather that its missile was targeting two military targets in the hospital's vicinity: a "command and intelligence (IDF C4i) headquarters" and an "army intelligence campus in the Gav-Yam Technology Park." IDF C4i is the Israeli military's elite technological unit, and was described by the IDF in 2021 as being "responsible for all the contacts, computers and communications of IDF forces on the battlefield." The exact site of its headquarters is classified information and cannot be verified. The second site targeted according to Iran was the IDF technology campus at the Gav-Yam Technology park. That campus is located near the site of the strike, around 1.5km to the north-east. No verified videos have emerged to suggest the IDF campus was struck in the Thursday strike. In fact, verified videos only show impact on the hospital complex itself. This would suggest that if Iran was aiming at military targets, it missed. Two OSINT experts told Euroverify that their analysis of Iranian strikes on Israel over the past days suggests that Iran lacks precision in hitting its targets. Early on Friday morning, Israeli public media Kan reported that a fresh attack on Beersheba "targeted a residential neighbourhood," with inital reports suggesting the site of the Gav-Yam Negev park was impacted. In his post on X, the Iranian foreign minister shared a map that purports to show two Israeli military targets right next to the Soroka hospital. But the map is fake. The street names and topography do not correspond to the area, and major sites, including the Gav-Yam Negev technology park, are misspelt. X users have also misleadingly claimed that a video of an Iranian strike hitting the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv on Thursday shows an impact on the Gav-Yam Negev park. We've verified that the videos in question show a strike on the Ramat Gan neighbourhood in Tel Aviv, and not in the vicinity of the Soroka hospital as the user claims. Our journalists are continuing to verify footage emerging from the affected area and will update this story with the latest developments. More countries are evacuating their citizens from the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran rages on, despite international efforts to find a diplomatic solution. Days of attacks and reprisals by the adversaries have shuttered airspace across the region, severely disrupting commercial flights. A repatriation flight transporting 69 people from Israel landed in Portugal on Thursday evening, with 48 Portuguese citizens among the passengers. The Portuguese government announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran this week, alongside ongoing repatriation operations in the Middle East. In Serbia, 38 people arrived safely in Belgrade on Thursday night, most of whom were Serbian nationals. They arrived on a special Air Serbia flight from Sharm el-Sheikh, organised by the Serbian government, who said the evacuation of those wishing to leave Israel and Iran would continue. On Thursday, Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Cairo to discuss the emergency evacuation of more than 2,500 Serbian nationals stranded in Israel. Meanwhile, in Romania, more than a hundred people arrived in the capital Bucharest on Friday on military transport flights from the Middle East. The Romanian Ministry of Defence sent the planes to the region after its nationals requested assistance. The conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on 13 June following Israeli bombings on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which resulted in the deaths of military leaders, scientists and civilians. More than 400 EU citizens from countries including Greece, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia have been evacuated from Israel in flights supported by the European Commission.
Sustainability Times
an hour ago
- Sustainability Times
'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Groundbreaking study reveals that breath patterns are as unique as fingerprints, offering new identification methods. reveals that breath patterns are as unique as fingerprints, offering new identification methods. 🧠 Researchers discovered that breathing patterns are influenced by complex neural networks and linked to brain activity. are influenced by complex neural networks and linked to brain activity. 📈 Breath analysis could indicate mental health markers like anxiety and depression, suggesting potential diagnostic applications. like anxiety and depression, suggesting potential diagnostic applications. 🔍 The study's findings may pave the way for breath-based biometric technologies in security and healthcare. In a world where technological advancements are rapidly transforming our understanding of human identity, a groundbreaking study has now revealed that your breath pattern is as unique as your fingerprint. This discovery has opened new avenues for potential applications in mental health diagnostics and personal identification. By using a sophisticated device to monitor the nasal airflow of individuals, researchers have achieved nearly 96.8% accuracy in identifying people based on their breathing patterns. This breakthrough not only adds another layer to the complexity of human identity but also highlights the potential of using breath as a biometric tool. Breath Becomes Brain Map The research, spearheaded by Timna Soroka and her team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, delves into the intricate relationship between breath and brain activity. Originating from studies on olfaction, the research proposed that if every brain is unique, so too might be our breathing patterns. To explore this hypothesis, the team developed a wearable device that measures nasal airflow through soft tubes placed beneath the nostrils. This delicate setup revealed that breathing is more than just a mechanical function; it is a complex process influenced by neural networks and various factors like physical activity and emotional state. According to Noam Sobel, a co-author of the study, their findings offer a novel perspective on respiration as a direct reflection of brain activity. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Inhaling Hints at Health The implications of this research extend beyond simple identification. When monitoring the breath patterns of 100 young adults, the study captured a comprehensive dataset of 24 respiratory parameters. This data indicated that breath patterns could serve as indicators of broader health metrics such as body mass index, sleep-wake cycles, and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Interestingly, participants with self-reported anxiety displayed shorter inhales and more variability during sleep. This suggests a possible link between breathing patterns and mental health, raising the question of whether altering one's breath could influence mental and emotional states. Although the current device has limitations, such as visible nasal tubes and the inability to track mouth breathing, future iterations aim to be more user-friendly and effective for long-term use. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Potential for Mental Health Diagnostics The study's findings have paved the way for new diagnostic tools in mental health. Researchers are exploring whether it is possible to replicate healthy breathing patterns to improve mental well-being. The potential to use breath as a diagnostic tool could revolutionize how conditions like anxiety and depression are understood and treated. As Noam Sobel suggests, if the relationship between breathing and mental health is reciprocal, altering breathing patterns could offer a therapeutic approach to managing such conditions. The team is optimistic about moving beyond diagnostics to treatment, although they acknowledge the challenges ahead in making the device more accessible and practical for everyday use. Cold Plunges Are a Scam for Women and Science Just Dropped the Mic on This Freezing Hot Fitness Fad The Future of Breath-Based Biometric Identification This pioneering work in breath analysis as a unique identifier could have far-reaching implications beyond healthcare. With a high accuracy rate of nearly 96.8% in identifying individuals, breath-based identification could become a viable alternative to traditional biometric methods like fingerprints and facial recognition. As researchers continue to refine the technology, future applications may include enhancing security systems, personalizing healthcare, and even developing new forms of social interaction based on breath patterns. The potential for breath analysis to impact various aspects of life is vast, and ongoing research will undoubtedly uncover further applications. As the study continues to gain attention, it raises crucial questions about the future of biometric identification and mental health diagnostics. Can the simple act of breathing unlock new insights into our mental and physical health? How will society adapt to the integration of breath-based technologies? As we ponder these questions, the journey toward understanding the mysterious link between breath and identity is just beginning. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (25)
France 24
5 hours ago
- France 24
More microplastics in glass bottles than plastic: study
Researchers have detected thee tiny, mostly invisible pieces of plastic throughout the world, from in the air we breathe to the food we eat, as well as riddled throughout human bodies. There is still no direct evidence that this preponderance of plastic is harmful to human health, but a burgeoning field of research is aiming to measure its spread. Guillaume Duflos, research director at French food safety agency ANSES, told AFP the team sought to "investigate the quantity of microplastics in different types of drinks sold in France and examine the impact different containers can have". The researchers found an average of around 100 microplastic particles per litre in glass bottles of soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea and beer. That was five to 50 times higher than the rate detected in plastic bottles or metal cans. "We expected the opposite result," PhD student Iseline Chaib, who conducted the research, told AFP. "We then noticed that in the glass, the particles emerging from the samples were the same shape, colour and polymer composition -- so therefore the same plastic -- as the paint on the outside of the caps that seal the glass bottles," she said. The paint on the caps also had "tiny scratches, invisible to the naked eye, probably due to friction between the caps when there were stored," the agency said in a statement. This could then "release particles onto the surface of the caps", it added. Wine fine For water, both flat and sparkling, the amount of microplastic was relatively low in all cases, ranging from 4.5 particles per litre in glass bottles to 1.6 particles in plastic. Wine also contained few microplastics -- even glass bottles with caps. Duflos said the reason for this discrepancy "remains to be explained". Soft drinks however contained around 30 microplastics per litre, lemonade 40 and beer around 60. Because there is no reference level for a potentially toxic amount of microplastics, it was not possible to say whether these figures represent a health risk, ANSES said. But drink manufacturers could easily reduce the amount of microplastics shed by bottle caps, it added. The agency tested a cleaning method involving blowing the caps with air, then rinsing them with water and alcohol, which reduced contamination by 60 percent. The study released by ANSES was published online in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis last month.
