The Houthi group in Yemen announced on Friday that it had launched a “hypersonic ballistic missile” aimed at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, claiming the strike hit its mark.
In a televised address on Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea asserted the attack caused casualties and temporarily halted air traffic. “The missile succeeded in reaching its target despite the enemy’s secrecy. The operation resulted in casualties and the suspension of air traffic at the airport,” Sarea claimed.
Contrary to these claims, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting the missile. While the IDF admitted air traffic was briefly suspended for 30 minutes, Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service stated that 18 individuals sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters.
The Houthis also claimed responsibility for other operations, including a drone attack on what they called a “vital” site in Tel Aviv and an assault on the Santa Ursula vessel near Yemen’s Socotra Island. The Houthis alleged the vessel had ties to Israeli ports.
Sarea emphasized the group’s stance: “The Israeli aggression on civilian facilities in Sanaa and Hodeidah will increase our determination to support the Palestinian people.” He vowed continued strikes on Israeli targets until the blockade on Gaza is lifted and the assault ends.
In retaliation, Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting locations such as Sanaa International Airport and facilities in Hodeidah. The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that the strikes inflicted extensive damage, resulting in at least six deaths and dozens of injuries, including a United Nations staff member.
Notably, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was present at Sanaa International Airport during the Israeli airstrikes but escaped unscathed. Ghebreyesus had been in Sanaa for discussions aimed at securing the release of detained UN staff. He called for their immediate release and urged restraint amidst the escalating conflict.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the growing violence, urging adherence to international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming his stance, described the Houthis as a “terror arm of the Iranian axis of evil” and committed to dismantling their military capabilities.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel and Israeli-linked interests, citing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
