Rocket Attack from Yemen Strikes Tel Aviv, Injuring 16 Amid Ongoing Gaza Tensions

A rocket launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people due to shattered glass, according to the Israeli military. This incident follows Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been launching missiles in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Fourteen others sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters as air raid sirens blared before dawn.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating on Telegram that they targeted a military site with a hypersonic ballistic missile. Israel's military is investigating the incident and noted that their aerial defence is not foolproof. "A flash of light, a blow and we fell to the ground. Big mess, broken glasses all over the place," said Bar Katz, a resident of a damaged building.

Israeli Strikes and Houthi Response

In response to the Tel Aviv attack, Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's Houthi-held capital, Sanaa. The US Central Command confirmed that US forces conducted airstrikes on a missile-storage facility and a command centre operated by the Houthis. These events followed Israeli strikes on Sanaa and Hodeida, which killed at least nine people.

The Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and drones during the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. They have also attacked shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis demand a ceasefire in Gaza before halting their attacks.

Impact on Gaza

In Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, including 12 children. One strike hit a residential building in Nuseirat refugee camp, killing seven people, including five children and one woman. Another strike in Gaza City killed 12 people, including seven children and two women.

More than 45,200 Palestinians have died since October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Gaza's Health Ministry reports that over half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel faces international criticism for civilian deaths but claims it targets militants who operate in residential areas.

Hospital Evacuation Order

Dr Husam Abu Safiyeh from Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza reported an evacuation order from Israel's military. He stated that evacuating would involve transferring 66 patients from critical departments like intensive care and maternity wards. However, Israel's military said they were unaware of any strikes near the hospital.

Gaza's Health Ministry reported ongoing gunfire and shelling near the hospital and appealed for urgent medical supplies. Aid groups claim Israeli operations hinder their ability to distribute aid effectively. Meanwhile, Israel's military organisation for humanitarian affairs delivered food packages to Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

Incident in Syria

Iran reported that unknown gunmen killed Davood Bitaraf, a local staffer at its embassy in Syria's capital Damascus last Sunday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry blamed terrorists for opening fire on Bitaraf's car but did not specify his role at the embassy. Iran holds Syria's interim government responsible for finding those behind the killing.

The shooting coincided with opposition fighters taking control of Damascus and ousting Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Iran has been a key ally of Assad throughout the conflict.

The situation remains tense as regional conflicts continue to impact civilians across multiple countries. The international community watches closely as these events unfold amidst calls for peace and stability in affected regions.