A missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, igniting panic among airport patrons and prompting warnings of retaliation from Israeli officials. The Houthis, who align with Iran, claimed responsibility for the missile attack, asserting it was in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid escalating conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would respond decisively, indicating that the strikes were orchestrated by Iran and signaling a planned reaction that would occur at a strategic time. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to ensuring national security and issuing stern warnings to Iran concerning the continuation of such acts.
In the aftermath of the missile landing, which created a significant crater near a parking lot by Terminal 3, eight individuals were reported to have sustained mild to moderate injuries. Reports of the incident included alarming scenes of black smoke rising behind parked planes while sirens blared, causing chaos as passengers fled to safety.
The attack coincided with ongoing military campaigns in Gaza, aggravated by the failure of ceasefire negotiations earlier in the year. Following the incident, the Israeli military assessed that a technical issue prevented the interception of the missile, which was unusual as most previous attacks had been thwarted by missile defense systems.
In retaliation for Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the Houthis announced their intention to launch repeated attacks targeting Israeli airports, with military spokesperson Yahya Saree declaring that “Israel’s main airport is no longer safe for air travel.”
The regional tension reflects a cycle of violence, as Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza, reportedly killing over 52,000 Palestinians since the resumption of conflict in March. The internal strife is compounded by external pressures, including U.S. involvement, with President Trump ordering substantial strikes against the Houthis to curb their operations.
While the current situation presents significant dangers, the international community’s ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight pathways toward de-escalation and conflict resolution. The hope remains that dialogue and intervention could mitigate the continuing humanitarian crisis facing millions in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the need for international solidarity and engagement grows ever more critical to address both immediate security concerns and the long-term stability of the Middle East.
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