Official statements or press releases from international bodies such as the UN, EU, US State Department, or others

Israel Intercepts Houthi Hypersonic Missile; 18 Injured as Tel Aviv Sirens Triggered

Dec 27, 2024, 06:06 AM

Israel's military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Sirens sounded across central Israel, including Tel Aviv, at 3:29 a.m. local time, prompting residents to seek shelters. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Ben Gurion Airport with a hypersonic missile named "Palestine-2." As a precaution, flights at Ben Gurion Airport were temporarily halted but later resumed. Israeli emergency services reported that 18 people were injured while rushing to shelters, including two who suffered panic attacks. The missile launch follows Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport. In addition to the missile, the Houthis claimed to have attacked a vital target in Jaffa with a drone and targeted the ship "Santa Ursula" in the Arabian Sea. The IDF has not confirmed these additional claims.