Iran’s June 19 attack devastates scientific labs at Beersheba's Ben-Gurion University

A missile strike launched by Iran on June 19 caused extensive damage to Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba, a major academic and research institution in southern Israel.

The attack, part of the broader 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, targeted the Soroka Medical Centre, which is affiliated with the university.

According to The Times of Israel, the missile strike resulted in the destruction of six research laboratories and significant damage to nine others. The university confirmed that the attack wiped out critical data and progress from long-term research projects, particularly in the fields of medicine and biology.

Beyond the research facilities, the strike also inflicted serious damage on classrooms, teaching labs, and the dissection room of the university’s Faculty of Medical Sciences. Additionally, around 30 other buildings on the university’s main campus sustained varying degrees of damage.

University officials are still assessing the full scope of the destruction. Preliminary estimates suggest the cost of the damage could reach “tens, and possibly even hundreds of millions of shekels.” At current exchange rates, 10 million shekels equals approximately $2.93 million.

The airstrike came in the midst of an intense military escalation between Iran and Israel, which began on June 13 after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. The conflict concluded 12 days later, with a ceasefire announced on June 24.

The truce was brokered through diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump, who contacted Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, informing him of Israel’s agreement to a ceasefire proposal. Leveraging its unique position and established ties with both Tehran and Washington, Qatar played a key role in mediating the deal.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held direct talks with Iranian officials, ultimately securing Iran’s consent to the ceasefire conditions put forward by the US and Israel.

The human toll of the conflict was severe on both sides. Iran’s Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi reported on June 24 that Israeli airstrikes had killed 606 people and injured 5,332 over the 12-day period. He described the previous 24 hours as witnessing “the most horrific attacks and aggressions” by Israel since the conflict’s outbreak, with 104 fatalities and 1,342 injuries recorded in a single day.

On the Israeli side, the Health Ministry has confirmed 28 deaths and 3,238 injuries since hostilities began.

By Tamilla Hasanova