Huthi missile strike escalates tensions amid Gaza conflict

A series of airstrikes hit Yemen’s capital, including Arbaeen Street and the road leading to the airport, with Huthi officials attributing the assault to American forces. According to the health ministry aligned with the Iran-backed rebels, sixteen people were injured.

The strikes came in response to a missile allegedly launched by the Huthis from Yemen that landed within the boundaries of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The group claimed responsibility, stating they had fired a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Israel’s primary air hub.

The missile caused a deep crater near a parking lot and wounded six individuals, prompting airlines to temporarily halt flights.

The Huthis, who govern significant areas of Yemen including the capital, have consistently launched drones and missiles at Israel and Red Sea routes since the onset of the Gaza conflict, framing their actions as support for Palestinians.

In reaction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged retaliation not only against the Huthis but also their main supporter, Iran. He confirmed that Israel had previously taken action and vowed future responses, emphasizing that retaliation would be ongoing.

The Huthis later issued further threats, warning airlines to avoid Israeli airports as they signaled more attacks could follow.

Iran distanced itself from the strike, labeling it an independent initiative by the Yemeni rebels in support of the Palestinian cause. Tehran warned that any Israeli or American aggression toward Iranian territory would be met with a firm response.

Following the attack, Israeli authorities released video footage showing the damage at the airport. According to police, it was the first time a missile directly struck within the airport’s perimeter.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion around 9:35 a.m. local time, prompting security to direct passengers to bunkers. One traveler described widespread panic, noting that such events had become unsettlingly familiar since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.

Flight operations resumed shortly after the attack. Meanwhile, Israel's military leadership announced an intensified campaign in Gaza, with plans approved to expand operations and target Hamas infrastructure both above and below ground.

Military actions against the Huthis by the United States began under President Joe Biden and have intensified under Donald Trump’s administration.