TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A drone launched from Yemen by the Houthi militant group has hit Israel’s southern airport, closing the airspace over southern Israel and halting flights, the Israeli military reported on Sunday.
According to Israeli officials, multiple Houthis drones were launched, with some intercepted before reaching their intended targets. One drone reportedly hit the passenger hall of Ramon International Airport near Eilat, causing minor injuries to a person from flying debris, according to Magen David Adom rescue services.
This incident recalls a previous missile strike from the Houthis near Israel’s main airport in May, which resulted in injuries and prompted numerous international flight cancellations. In retaliation for that attack, Israel conducted strikes that destroyed the main airport in rebel-controlled Sana'a, Yemen.
Heightened Attacks from the Houthis
Following the assassination of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi in an Israeli strike, Houthi officials have loudly proclaimed their commitment to escalate their military actions against Israel, including the targeting of foreign vessels in strategic maritime routes.
Nasruddin Amer, a representative from the Houthi media office, characterized the attack as a “unique, qualitative military operation,” urging foreign nationals to vacate areas around Israeli airports for safety.
Israeli Response and Operations in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to advance operations in Gaza City, asserting that it is critical for eliminating Iranian influence in the region. He claimed that over 100,000 Palestinians had evacuated the city, although this has been countered by reports indicating far fewer were leaving.
Current negotiations with Hamas appear stalled, with the militant group demanding the establishment of a Palestinian state and the release of prisoners in exchange for a long-term truce and hostages held in Gaza. The plight of civilians continues, with recent airstrikes in Gaza resulting in at least 13 deaths, including women and children, raising the humanitarian toll amidst ongoing conflict.
As the situation develops, the lives of many remain in peril, with over 64,000 reported dead in Gaza since the beginning of the current conflict.
