Tehran: Panic and urgency unfolded inside a major hospital in northern Tehran after a reported Israeli airstrike struck near or within the medical facility, forcing the emergency evacuation of babies and critically ill patients. The hospital, identified as Gandhi Hospital, sustained structural damage amid the escalating confrontation between Iran and Israel.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as loud explosions shook the surrounding area. Within minutes, hospital corridors filled with smoke and debris, prompting doctors, nurses, and emergency responders to act swiftly. Medical staff were seen carrying newborn babies — some still inside incubators — to safer locations outside the building. Critically ill patients were transported on stretchers and wheelchairs under emergency protocols.

Iranian authorities condemned the strike, calling it a direct violation of international humanitarian norms. Officials stated that hospitals are protected civilian infrastructure under international law and should never become targets during military conflict. While the full extent of the damage remains under assessment, early reports indicated that parts of the building were heavily affected.

Broadcast footage and social media videos showed distressed families waiting outside as ambulances lined the street. Despite the damage, hospital staff continued efforts to stabilize patients and transfer them to nearby medical centers.

Israeli officials have not issued detailed confirmation regarding the specific hospital strike, though broader military operations targeting strategic and security-related sites in Iran have been acknowledged in recent days. The situation remains fluid as both nations exchange accusations and prepare for potential further escalation.

The incident has sparked global concern, particularly due to the involvement of vulnerable civilians, including infants receiving specialized medical care. International observers have urged restraint and emphasized the need to protect healthcare facilities in conflict zones.

As tensions continue to rise across the region, the evacuation at Gandhi Hospital stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of expanding hostilities. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are assessing whether the hospital itself was directly targeted or caught in nearby strikes.