Israel issued a stark warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying that he “cannot continue to exist” adding that the Israel Defence Forces had been instructed to ensure the same. This came after Iran, in its retaliatory strikes, attacked a hospital in Israel leaving nearly 40 injured on Thursday.“A dictator like Khamenei, who heads a country like Iran and has made the destruction of Israel his mission, cannot continue to exist,” Israeli defence minister Katz said. “The IDF has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist,” he added.US President Donald Trump had earlier made it clear that the US had no plans to kill Khamenei, “at least not for now”.“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he had said on Wednesday.An Iranian missile struck the main hospital in southern Israel, causing “extensive damage” but no serious injuries, according to the hospital. Other missiles hit a high-rise and residential buildings near Tel Aviv.

At least 40 people were injured in the attacks, and emergency teams evacuated patients from Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba as black smoke rose from the site.On the seventh day of escalating conflict, Israel struck Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, continuing its attacks on Iran’s nuclear program.The conflict began with surprise Israeli airstrikes targeting military sites, senior officers, and nuclear scientists.According to a US-based Iranian human rights group, at least 639 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran, with over 1,300 wounded. In retaliation, Iran has launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people and injuring hundreds in Israel.