This is a locator map for Yemen with its capital, Sanaa
A rare drone strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit Israel’s Ramon Airport on Sunday, briefly halting flights and exposing vulnerabilities in the nation’s defense systems. The attack came as Israel intensified its offensive in Gaza City, bringing new destruction and mounting civilian casualties.
Houthi Drone Breaches Israel’s Defenses
The Israeli military confirmed a drone launched from Yemen penetrated Israel’s multilayered defense system and crashed into Ramon Airport near Eilat. Glass windows shattered, one man suffered light injuries, and flights were suspended before resuming hours later.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying the strike was retaliation for Israel’s earlier attack on Yemen’s capital, which killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and senior leaders.
Houthi Rebels Vow Escalation Against Israel
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ spokesperson, announced that eight drones were fired at Israel. He warned that Israeli airports “are unsafe and will remain targets.”
The Israeli military said it intercepted three drones near Egypt but admitted it failed to classify the Ramon drone as a threat.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have escalated aerial attacks since Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel triggered the Gaza war. While most strikes have caused limited damage, a May attack near Ben Gurion Airport forced international airlines to suspend flights for months.
Israel Levels High-Rise in Gaza City
In Gaza City, Israel demolished the Al-Ra’iya Tower, a seven-story building housing displaced families. The military claimed it was being used by Hamas for intelligence purposes, an allegation Hamas denied.
The strike marked the third consecutive day of high-rise demolitions. Civilians scrambled for safety as the building collapsed, adding to the despair of Palestinians repeatedly displaced during the conflict.
Hospitals reported fresh casualties, including 13 people—six children and three women—killed in strikes on shelters and apartment buildings. In central Gaza, a strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp left at least five more dead, including a young girl.
Palestinians Resist Forced Evacuations
Despite Israel urging civilians to move south to designated humanitarian zones, many Palestinians remain in Gaza City. Overcrowded and unsanitary tent camps discourage further displacement.
“Every time we move, we get displaced again,” said Shireen Al-Lada’, who lost her home in Zeitoun.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 64,000 deaths since the conflict began, with more than half being women and children. Israel says it is targeting militants but admits civilians are often caught in crossfire.
Israeli Court Orders Better Conditions for Detainees
In a surprising move, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that Palestinian detainees are not receiving adequate food. The court ordered the government to guarantee “basic living conditions” in prisons.
The ruling followed petitions from human rights groups citing starvation among detainees. It marked a rare judicial check on Israel’s wartime policies.
Trump Claims Israel Accepted His Ceasefire Plan
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that Israel had accepted his ceasefire terms. He warned Hamas of “serious consequences” if it refused.
Israel’s government did not confirm Trump’s claim, while Hamas said it welcomed proposals that included prisoner exchanges but insisted on full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls to halt the offensive. He pledged to continue until Hamas is disarmed, despite growing criticism at home and abroad. Families of hostages expressed fear that Israel’s ground operations could endanger their loved ones still held in Gaza.
A Conflict Spiraling Further
The Houthi drone strike highlights the widening scope of Israel’s war, stretching beyond Gaza into regional flashpoints. With Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsening, Houthi threats intensifying, and diplomacy stalling, the conflict shows little sign of easing.
