On Sunday, a missile launched by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen caused a brief halt to flights and commuter traffic at Ben-Gurion International Airport, Israel's primary international gateway. The missile's impact near an access road triggered panic among travelers, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region. This attack occurred just hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers were scheduled to vote on the intensification of military operations in Gaza.
In response to the missile incident, Israel’s army announced the mobilization of tens of thousands of reserve troops, as stated by Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel’s chief of staff. This missile strike marks a significant moment, being the first time since the onset of the Gaza conflict that a missile has struck the airport grounds. Preliminary investigations suggest a potential technical issue with the interceptor system was responsible for the failure.
The Houthi rebels, who have shown solidarity with the Palestinian cause throughout the ongoing conflict, have been actively targeting Israel since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023. While most missiles have been intercepted by Israel's advanced defense systems, some have managed to breach these defenses, resulting in damage. Following the missile attack, Israel’s paramedic service, Magen David Adom, reported that four individuals sustained minor injuries.
The missile strike led multiple international airlines to cancel or postpone flights to and from Israel. The ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, along with escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, had already caused many airlines to suspend their operations to Israel. Although some airlines had resumed flights in recent months, this latest incident has reignited concerns over safety for travelers.
In a video statement, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting the airport. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the U.S. is supporting Israel's military operations against the Houthis. He indicated that while the conflict may not resolve quickly, Israel would respond decisively, stating, “There will be bangs.” Netanyahu further declared that responses would be made “at a time and place of our choosing” against both the Houthis and their Iranian backers.
As tensions rise, Netanyahu announced that the Israeli security Cabinet would convene to vote on expanding military operations in Gaza. Lt. Gen. Zamir noted that Israel plans to operate in additional areas, with a focus on destroying both above and below-ground infrastructure. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for a “powerful” escalation of the conflict, advocating for bombings targeting essential supplies such as food and electricity in Gaza.
Following an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas, which allowed for increased aid to Gaza and the release of some Israeli hostages, hostilities resumed in March. Since then, the Israeli military has captured significant areas of the coastal enclave, and local health officials report that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in the renewed fighting. Israel has also implemented a blockade on goods entering Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in this densely populated territory.
The ongoing conflict has plunged Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, into what is now considered one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Widespread hunger and shortages have led to increased looting and desperation among the population. In a recent incident, Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela reported that his country had offered assistance to investigate damage to a ship carrying aid organized by pro-Palestinian activists, which claimed to have been struck by drones, allegedly from Israel.
New Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least seven Palestinians, including young children aged 2 and 4, according to reports from Palestinian medics. The Israeli military has not commented on these casualties. Furthermore, two Israeli soldiers were killed in combat operations in Gaza, bringing the total military fatalities since the conflict resumed in March to six.
The conflict in Gaza ignited when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of about 250 hostages. Current estimates indicate that 59 hostages are still held in Gaza, with around 35 believed to be deceased. The Israeli offensive has reportedly led to over 52,000 fatalities in Gaza, with a significant number being women and children, as reported by Palestinian health officials.
