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

A rocket attack from Yemen struck Tel Aviv overnight, injuring 16 people due to shattered glass, according to the Israeli military. This incident follows Israeli airstrikes on Houthi rebels, who have been launching missiles in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Additionally, 14 individuals sustained minor injuries while seeking shelter as air raid sirens blared before dawn.

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

Escalating Tensions and International Involvement

Following the attack on Tel Aviv, the Houthis' media office reported airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa. The US Central Command confirmed airstrikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen. These developments come after Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa and Hodeida killed at least nine people on Thursday. A missile from Yemen had earlier hit a school in central Israel.

The Houthis also claimed a drone strike on an unspecified military target in central Israel that day. Israel's military reports that the Iran-backed Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and drones during the 14-month conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Houthis have also targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

Impact on Gaza and Civilian Casualties

In Gaza, funerals were held for 19 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Friday and overnight, including 12 children. A strike on Nuseirat refugee camp killed at least seven people, including five children and one woman. Another strike in Gaza City killed 12 people, including seven children and two women.

Later reports from al-Awda Hospital indicated an airstrike in Nuseirat killed four people, including two children. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 45,200 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Gaza's Health Ministry states that more than half of these fatalities are women and children.

Israel faces significant international criticism for civilian casualties in Gaza but maintains it targets militants and blames Hamas for operating in residential areas.

Humanitarian Concerns and Hospital Evacuations

Dr Husam Abu Safiyeh from Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza reported an evacuation order from Israel's military. The hospital faces severe shortages of food and medical supplies amid continuous gunfire and shelling nearby. Aid groups report difficulties distributing aid due to military operations and armed gangs.

The Israeli military organisation handling humanitarian affairs stated it delivered thousands of food packages to Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

Violence Spreads Beyond Borders

In Syria, Iran reported that unknown gunmen killed Davood Bitaraf, a local staffer at its embassy in Damascus last Sunday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry holds Syria's interim government responsible for finding those behind the killing. Iran has been a key ally of Bashar Assad's regime.

The situation remains tense across multiple regions as conflicts continue to escalate with no immediate resolution in sight.