Escalation in the Israel-Hamas War: Strikes Extend to Yemen

The Israeli army has launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv. The escalation marks the first Israeli operations in Yemen since the Israel-Hamas war began. The conflict has caused significant casualties and intensified humanitarian issues in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Israeli army announced Saturday it has launched strikes on multiple Houthi targets in western Yemen, following a fatal drone attack by the rebel group in Tel Aviv the day before. This marks the first instance of Israeli military operations on Yemeni soil since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted in October.

The army stated it targeted 'military sites' in the port city of Hodeidah, a Houthi stronghold, in retaliation for a series of assaults against Israel in recent months. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the strikes as a 'blatant Israeli aggression,' accusing Israel of targeting fuel storage and a power station to exacerbate Yemen's suffering and pressuring them to cease support for Gaza.

Abdulsalam vowed increased resolve among Yemenis and their armed forces to support Gaza. A media outlet controlled by Houthi rebels reported deaths, injuries, and severe burns from the strikes, which also caused significant fires and power outages.