Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for firing a missile at Israel, which was intercepted before it could reach its target. The ballistic missile was aimed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, according to a statement by the group's military spokesperson aired on television. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the activation of air raid sirens across several areas in Israel, although no injuries were reported due to the intercept.
As tensions continue to escalate, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have led to the deaths of at least ten people, as stated by Gaza's Hamas-run civil defense agency. The IDF has increased ground operations following a series of air assaults, which, according to health officials in Gaza, have resulted in the deaths of over 430 individuals in a mere two-day span. Reports indicate that these strikes have targeted residential areas, injuring numerous civilians.
The Houthis declared that their missile launch was a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. They have made threats to retaliate against Israel following recent U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The Pentagon has conducted significant military actions against the group, marking one of the largest U.S. military engagements in the region in recent months.
In a show of military readiness, the IDF announced that troops have advanced into the Netzarim Corridor, a critical area dividing northern and southern Gaza. This renewed offensive signifies the collapse of a fragile ceasefire that had been established earlier this year.
Additionally, a United Nations compound in Deir al-Balah experienced a deadly explosion, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a UN staff member. The escalation of hostilities comes in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks, which claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and led to the capture of numerous hostages, prompting an extensive Israeli military response that has reportedly killed more than 48,500 Palestinians according to Gaza's health ministry.
