Israeli airstrikes intensify across Gaza City, killing dozens including civilians, while simultaneously targeting key sites in Yemen’s capital Sanaa in retaliation for Houthi missile attacks.
As violence escalates, global protests erupt over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and expanding conflict across the Middle East.
According to Yemeni and Israeli officials, the strikes hit key civilian infrastructure in the Houthi-controlled capital. Yemen’s Al Masirah TV reported that at least two people were killed and 35 injured as a result of the bombings. Footage showed massive plumes of fire and smoke rising over Sanaa, further highlighting the destruction.
The Israeli military stated that the attacks targeted military complexes associated with the Houthi forces, calling their missile launches and drone strikes “repeated attacks against the state of Israel and its citizens.” The military claimed these actions were necessary defensive measures in response to Houthi aggression.
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However, Houthi officials strongly condemned the Israeli strikes. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior Houthi spokesperson, declared that the attacks would not deter their support for Palestinians in Gaza, stating, “The Israeli aggression against Yemen will not discourage us from continuing our support for Gaza, no matter the sacrifices.”
Another Houthi official, Abed al-Thawr, accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure to inflict suffering on Yemeni people and dismissed claims that the presidential palace was a military target, calling the attacks “barbarism.”
The Houthi-led Government of Change and Reconstruction in Sanaa also denounced the bombings as a “war crime” aimed at creating a “fake victory” by displaying smoke over the city. They accused Israel, backed by the United States, of waging an open war against the Arab and Muslim nations.
Meanwhile, Hamas condemned the Israeli strikes on Yemen, branding them “a blatant violation of Arab sovereignty and international law.” The Palestinian group praised the Houthis’ “courageous stance” and urged all Arab and Muslim countries to unite in support of ending Israel’s occupation.
The escalation follows recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel, including a hypersonic missile launch reported last Friday. The Houthis have repeatedly vowed to stand with Palestinians “until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.”
In Gaza, the Israeli military has intensified its offensive, targeting Gaza City and other areas. More than 30 Palestinians, including children and aid workers, were reportedly killed today. Thousands have taken to the streets worldwide in protest after a United Nations panel officially declared famine in northern Gaza, attributing it to months of Israeli blockade on humanitarian supplies such as food and water.
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The ground offensive escalated further as Israeli tanks entered key neighborhoods in Gaza City, including Sabra, marking one of the most significant advances in the ongoing conflict. The military operation aims to dismantle Hamas strongholds but has raised grave concerns over civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Since the conflict erupted, Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 62,622 Palestinians and injuries to 157,673 others. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, with more than 200 taken captive.
As the conflict widens beyond Gaza, fears of a broader regional war are growing, with Yemen’s involvement signaling a dangerous new chapter in the Middle East crisis.
