Photo : Reuters
Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi Rebels in Yemen; 105 Killed in Lebanon
- Al-Jazeera
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in western Yemen. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the attacks on Sunday, prompting condemnation from Iran.
According to the Israeli statement, the strikes focused on the Ras Issa and Hodeidah seaports, as well as various power projects. The operation involved warplanes and numerous aerial vehicles. Since November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been conducting drone and missile attacks against Israeli and Israel-affiliated vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandeb Strait as a response to Israeli actions in Gaza. Since October of last year, Israeli operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 41,000 deaths and more than 96,000 injuries.
On Sunday, the Houthi Supreme Political Council asserted that the Israeli airstrikes would not deter their support for the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli bombings have claimed the lives of 105 individuals over the past 24 hours, as reported by the country's Ministry of Health. For the first time during this period, Israel has attacked the capital city, Beirut, specifically targeting the southern Kola area.
Israel has increased the number of troops and military equipment near the Lebanese border, raising concerns about a potential ground invasion. Health officials quoted by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV confirmed that at least four individuals lost their lives due to the Israeli strikes, including three electrical engineers and a port worker.
Residents of Hodeidah have reported widespread power outages in many areas as a result of the airstrikes.
Earlier, on Saturday, the Houthis claimed to have launched a missile attack on Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
Keywords:: Israeli airstrikes, Houthi rebels, Yemen, Lebanon, casualties, Gaza conflict, Iranian involvement, military tensions, regional stability.