07:45 / 26.06.2025

Iranian missile strike delivers heavy blow to Ben‑Gurion University’s scientific capacity

In southern Israel, the David Ben‑Gurion University has experienced one of the heaviest blows in its history. On 19 June, as a result of an Iranian missile attack, six research laboratories located on the premises of the Soroka medical center were completely destroyed, and another nine laboratories sustained serious damage. This was reported by The Times of Israel.

This event is regarded as an irreparable loss not only for the university but also for Israeli science and medicine as a whole. The affected labs conducted important long-term scientific projects in biology and medicine. It is reported that educational classrooms, practical laboratories, and the anatomy department of the university’s Faculty of Medical Sciences were also heavily damaged.

Additionally, around thirty other buildings in the main campus were damaged. University management is currently assessing the extent of the damage. According to preliminary estimates, the material losses may amount to “tens, perhaps hundreds of millions of shekels.” Recall that 10 million shekels is approximately 2.93 million US dollars at the current exchange rate.

At the same time, experts warn that the strike could seriously hamper Israel’s promising directions in medicine, science, and innovation. The destroyed labs were carrying out research that held significant importance not only for the nation but also for the regional health system.

International media note that on 13 June, Israel launched missile strikes against Iranian facilities tied to nuclear and missile programs, aiming for their destruction. A day later, on 14 June, Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel. The escalation is considered one of the most serious conflicts in the region in recent years.

Late on 22 June, the US Armed Forces struck three nuclear sites inside Iran, and on 23 June, Iran launched missiles at the US military base Al‑Udeid in Qatar. After several days of intense confrontation, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran had been reached, which officially took effect on 24 June.

From the Zamin.uz editorial team:
Any attack on centers of science and knowledge deals a blow to future progress, new generations, and medical development. We hope the situation stabilizes soon and that scientific work resumes. Peace and development remain the highest values.