Asger Risom
Yemen-based militants claim Ben Gurion Airport attack, vow continued strikes amid expanded Gaza offensive
Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared a sweeping aerial campaign targeting Israeli airports, warning all international airlines to cancel flights to the country in the wake of Israel’s expanded offensive in Gaza, as reported by HotNews.ro.
The Iran-aligned group claimed responsibility for a missile strike near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, describing it as retaliation for Israeli military actions in the Palestinian enclave. The attack marks the first successful impact in a series of launches since March, following months of largely thwarted missile and drone barrages.
In a statement, the Houthis labeled Ben Gurion Airport their “primary target” and emphasized that future assaults would aim to enforce what they called a “comprehensive air blockade” of Israeli airspace.
International Airlines Urged to Cancel Flights
The group’s Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center—a body created last year to liaise between Houthi forces and commercial shipping interests—claimed to have sent an email to both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In it, the Houthis urged all airlines to “seriously consider this warning” and suspend flights to Israeli airports to “ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.”
Though most past attacks from Yemen have been intercepted by Israeli missile defense systems, Sunday’s strike landed unimpeded, signaling a worrying escalation. Last year, a Houthi drone even managed to strike Tel Aviv, despite Israel’s high readiness posture.
Gaza Offensive Intensifies
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to press their military campaign in Gaza, with the cabinet recently approving the total occupation of the Strip and a plan to establish buffer zones. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel’s army chief, reiterated that increasing pressure on Hamas is aimed at both dismantling its infrastructure and securing the return of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.
The latest developments highlight how the war in Gaza has grown into a broader regional conflict, with the Houthis framing their actions as acts of solidarity with Palestinians. The group has previously disrupted Red Sea shipping in a similar effort to exert pressure on Israel and its allies.