A missile strike launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels injured more than a dozen people in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Saturday.
According to the Israeli military, the projectile was fired from Yemen, but attempts to intercept it failed. The missile landed in a public park, causing damage in the surrounding area.
A Houthi military spokesman claimed responsibility, stating the group had targeted a military installation using a hypersonic ballistic missile. The Houthis, backed by Iran and controlling northwestern Yemen, have been launching attacks on Israel and international shipping since October 2023, following the onset of the Gaza war. The group claims their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians.
Since the conflict began, Israel’s military reports that approximately 400 missiles and drones have been launched from Yemen, most of which were intercepted.
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, confirmed that 16 individuals sustained mild injuries from glass shards caused by shattered windows near the impact site. An additional 14 people were treated for minor injuries sustained while rushing to safety.
Earlier in the week, Israel carried out airstrikes targeting what it described as Houthi military sites, including ports and energy infrastructure in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV reported that nine people were killed in the strikes on the Salif port and the Ras Issa oil terminal.
The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until the Gaza conflict is resolved.