Escalation intensifies as Houthis claim responsibility for attack on Tel Aviv
A picture shows airplanes on the tarmac at Israel's Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv on November 6, 2024. (File photo: AFP)
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Friday, hours after Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport and other sites in Yemen.
Houthi media also reported drone attacks on Tel Aviv and a ship in the Arabian Sea. Details of these retaliatory actions remain scarce.
The Israeli strikes on Thursday coincided with the presence of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and his team at Sanaa’s airport, preparing for departure.
Yemen’s civil aviation authority stated that the attack occurred as the UN aircraft was “getting ready for its scheduled flight.” The airport planned to reopen on Friday following damage assessments.
The Israeli military has not commented on whether they were aware of Tedros’ presence during the strike.
Houthi-linked Al-Masirah TV reported six fatalities from the Israeli strikes, revising earlier statements that two died at the airport and one at Ras Issa port.
Israel’s attack marked the second such operation since December 19, targeting military facilities, power stations, and ports in Houthi-controlled areas in response to Houthi missile fire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s resolve, stating, “We are determined to cut this branch of terrorism from the Iranian axis of evil.” He vowed to “continue until the job is done,” signaling a protracted escalation in the region.
