International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : June 20, 2025 – Jerusalem/Tehran: The Israel-Iran war escalated dangerously overnight as a barrage of Iranian missiles struck Beersheba, a key city in southern Israel, just a day after a deadly strike on a hospital in northern Israel triggered global outrage. The attack, which Israeli military sources say was launched directly from Iranian territory, marks a new phase in the conflict — with Tehran openly crossing what had long been a red line.

Sirens blared through the streets of Beersheba in the early hours of Friday as residents rushed to shelters. Multiple explosions were reported in residential areas, and preliminary reports confirm at least 17 people injured, some critically. Local infrastructure — including schools, power lines, and several buildings — has sustained damage, though Israel's Iron Dome defense system intercepted several missiles mid-air, limiting the scale of destruction.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that at least five long-range missiles evaded the Iron Dome and struck various parts of the city. In a statement, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, “This is a direct act of war from Iranian soil. It will not go unanswered. Israel will defend its people with full force.”

Tehran has not officially claimed responsibility for the strike, but pro-Iranian media outlets described it as a “strategic retaliation” for Israel’s recent airstrikes in western Iran and Syria that allegedly targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers. Meanwhile, Iran’s state-run TV declared the missile launch a “defensive measure,” accusing Israel of being the aggressor in recent days and vowing to "respond proportionately to every Zionist provocation."

This latest missile strike follows the international uproar over a deadly attack on an Israeli hospital in the Galilee region on Wednesday, which left over 40 dead, including children and healthcare workers. Israel and its Western allies blame Iran or its proxy Hezbollah for that strike — an accusation Tehran has rejected outright.

The strike on Beersheba is being widely interpreted as a dangerous escalation, moving the conflict from proxy-based skirmishes to direct state-to-state confrontation. In response to the growing threat, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Shamir has summoned his war cabinet for an emergency meeting, and the Israeli Air Force has reportedly raised its alert status to maximum.

Residents in Beersheba describe the attack as the most intense they’ve experienced in years. “It felt like the entire sky was falling. The noise was deafening,” said Natan Levy, a 32-year-old father of two who lives near one of the impact sites. Hospitals in the city are on high alert, with trauma units working through the night to treat the wounded.

The United States, United Kingdom, and France have all condemned the missile attack, calling it a dangerous provocation. In a joint statement, they urged Iran to de-escalate immediately and warned of “serious consequences” should further attacks occur. Russia and China, while calling for calm, refrained from criticizing Iran directly, instead urging both sides to “exercise restraint.”

Inside Iran, the government has tightened control of national media and communications, limiting access to foreign networks and social media, while state outlets portray the confrontation as a justified defense against Zionist aggression. Anti-Israel demonstrations are growing in Tehran and Qom, with thousands marching in support of the IRGC.

Israeli citizens are bracing for what many believe will be a broader regional war. Defense analysts warn that if attacks continue on major urban centers like Beersheba, Israel may initiate full-scale military operations not just in Lebanon or Syria, but also directly against Iran — something it has avoided until now.

The situation remains volatile, with international diplomats scrambling to open communication channels between the warring sides. For now, the skies over Beersheba stand as a dark reminder that the war once fought in shadows has now entered a dangerous and unpredictable new chapter.