Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen early on Thursday in response to ongoing attacks by the Iran-aligned militant group. The Israeli military intercepted a missile headed toward central Israel, which destroyed a school building in Ramat Efal with falling shrapnel.
The airstrikes targeted ports in Salif and Ras Issa, as well as central power stations in Sanaa, resulting in at least nine reported deaths. The Houthis, in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's conflict with Hamas, have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen since November last year. They claimed responsibility for targeting Tel Aviv with ballistic missiles and vowed to respond to the Israeli attacks.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would continue to respond to Houthi attacks, emphasizing that those who harm Israel will be harmed sevenfold. The Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen for several years, have disrupted global shipping traffic in the Red Sea with their missile and drone attacks.
Despite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the situation has escalated with the involvement of Israel and the Houthis. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as tensions in the region continue to rise.