Footage emerging from Tehran shows significant damage to Gandhi Hospital following reported airstrikes on Sunday, marking a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict. Healthcare workers were captured on video urgently evacuating newborn infants amid alarms and debris, highlighting the growing impact of the military operations on civilian infrastructure. The strikes, attributed by Iranian state media to a joint US-Israeli operation, arrive after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
The situation in Tehran is rapidly evolving as the second day of military actions unfolds. Reports indicate that Gandhi Hospital, located in northern Tehran, sustained structural damage, forcing the immediate evacuation of patients, including vulnerable newborns. This incident raises serious concerns about the protection of medical facilities and personnel during armed conflict, a critical tenet of international humanitarian law. The strikes are part of a broader military campaign that has also targeted Iran’s Islamic Republic of Broadcasting headquarters, though state television remains operational.
Hospital Evacuation Amidst Airstrikes
Video footage circulating on social media, confirmed by Iranian news agencies, depicts nurses carrying newborn babies to safety as alarms blare and debris litters the hospital floors. Tasnim News Agency published clips of healthcare workers working to move infants to safety following what witnesses described as direct hits to the facility. The extent of casualties at the hospital remains unclear at this time, but the images paint a picture of chaos and urgency.
The attack on Gandhi Hospital follows a series of joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Yenişafak English reports that Iranian state media described the strikes as “Zionist-American air strikes.”
Retaliatory Strikes and Regional Impact
Iran has responded to the attacks with retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel, US assets, and Gulf countries including the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The United States has confirmed its first military deaths of the conflict, with three American troops killed in action, though the location of those deaths has not been specified. At least nine people have been reported killed in Israel, and at least four deaths have been reported across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, according to official figures.
The strikes have also reportedly damaged schools and historic landmarks across Iran, as documented by satellite imagery and verified videos. BBC Verify has documented damage to a hospital, sporting centers, a UNESCO world heritage site, and two schools, one of which reportedly saw 168 people killed on Saturday morning, according to Iranian officials. The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the blast at the school in Minab is under investigation.
Impact on Civilian Infrastructure
The targeting of civilian sites, including hospitals and schools, raises serious concerns about adherence to international laws of war. Sedaily reports that Iran claims US-Israeli missiles struck a newborn ward at Ghandi Hospital. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties are still being assessed, but the images and reports underscore the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population. The situation is further complicated by an almost total internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, making it difficult to gather accurate information and communicate with those on the ground.
The strikes on civilian infrastructure, including an IVF clinic, have drawn international attention and condemnation. The Israeli military issued a statement regarding the damage to Gandhi hospital, but details remain limited.
As the conflict continues, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the potential for further escalation. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilian lives.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider sharing this article to help raise awareness of the situation in Iran.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about a developing situation and should not be considered medical or legal advice. If you are experiencing distress related to this news, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.