Israel Accuses Iran of Committing War Crimes, Vows to Intensify Attacks

What Happened?

Israeli officials accused Iran on Thursday of committing war crimes after its latest round of missiles struck a hospital in southern Israel.

According to reports, southern Israel's largest hospital, Soroka Medical Center, was struck by a round of missiles, causing extensive damage to the hospital's old surgical wing.

Several people were treated for minor injuries and cases of shock.

Iran's state media reportedly claimed that the missiles were intended to strike a nearby military target and denied intentionally hitting the Israeli hospital.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz took to social media and threatened Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in regards to the latest attack.

'These are war crimes of the most serious kind - and Khamenei will be held accountable for his crimes,' Katz said.

He stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed Israeli forces to increase the 'intensity of attacks' against Iranian targets.

That also includes government targets in Tehran as the two nations are closing in on one week of fighting.

Why it Matters

Khamenei issued a strong warning on Wednesday after President Donald Trump floated the possibility the U.S. could strike Iranian nuclear facilities.

Following a series of recent airstrikes from Israeli forces, Iran's leader stated that 'any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.'

The warning came after President Trump had pushed Iran to commit to an unconditional surrender as patience for a nuclear deal has run thin from the U.S.

But Khamenei said that 'Americans should know that the Iranian nation cannot be surrendered.'

He also added to the suspicion that the U.S. was involved in initial plans that set off the current conflict with the Israeli military that Trump later confirmed having knowledge of prior, according to reports.

After doubling down on statements that Iran could not obtain a nuclear weapon, Trump told reporters he's now offering Iran the 'ultimate ultimatum,' which remains unclear.

It does not limit the idea Trump has stated that 'it's up in the air' whether he will sign off on military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

In the meantime, Israel reportedly killed Iran's new wartime chief of staff just days after assassinating his predecessor.

How it Affects You

Trump has suggested in the coming days or the following week, things are going to be 'very big' surrounding what happens next involving Iran.

There's a strong possibility, despite Trump's previous veto, Iran's leader could be targeted should things not de-escalate.

President Xi Jinping of China and Russia's Vladimir Putin have expressed a desire to mediate things from reaching a point of no return from an ‘all-out war.'

A U.S.-Iran deal still hangs in the balance as the clock is ticking to conduct successful nuclear negotiations to prevent such an outcome.