In Solidarity with Palestinians, Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Missile Attack on Tel Aviv, Israel

In Solidarity with Palestinians, Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Missile Attack on Tel Aviv, Israel

According to a report by Al Jazeera, the Israeli military has stated that Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched two missiles targeting the Ramat David military airbase in northern Israel and the Tel Aviv area. The military successfully intercepted the first missile and launched a defensive missile against the second.

This attack is part of the Houthis’ continued military pressure in support of Palestinians.

The Israeli military reported on Friday that although air raid sirens were triggered in multiple locations during the missile attack, no casualties or damage were reported. The results of the interception of the second missile are still under review.

Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthis (Ansarullah), stated that they carried out a "military operation" targeting a key Israeli military base. He claimed that hypersonic missiles were used and successfully struck the intended target.

The Israeli military confirmed only that an interception attempt was made, without providing further details.

Calls for Ceasefire and the Houthis' Stance

The Houthi group had earlier stated that their attacks on Israel, the U.S., and British ships would continue until Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier this year, during a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis refrained from attacks. However, when Israel resumed fighting and halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza in early March, the Houthis resumed their assaults as well.

Rising Civilian Casualties

In response to these attacks, the United States has intensified its military operations in Yemen. Since March, the U.S. has launched large-scale strikes not only on infrastructure but also targeting individuals linked to Houthi leadership. Civilian casualties have been rising as a result.

UK-based monitoring group Airwars reported that between 27 and 55 civilians were killed in March alone, with April’s toll likely even higher.

In one deadly U.S. strike in April at the Ras Issa port in Hodeidah, at least 80 people were killed and more than 150 injured.

According to Houthi media, an airstrike on detained African migrants on Monday night killed at least 68 people, with another 8 killed in surrounding areas near the capital, Sanaa.

Human rights activists have expressed deep concern over the growing number of civilian deaths. Recently, three U.S. Democratic senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting accurate figures on civilian casualties.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, “These attacks are becoming an increasing threat to civilians in Yemen. We once again urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilian lives.”