Missile launched from Yemen disrupts Israeli air traffic preceding critical vote on escalating Gaza conflict
Airport chaos as missile strikes near Tel Aviv
TEL AVIV, Israel - A missile launched by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen caused chaos at Israel's main international airport after its impact near an access road sent panic through the terminal. This attack occurred hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers were scheduled to vote on whether to escalate military operations in Gaza.
The attack on Ben Gurion International Airport, a crucial gateway for the world, transpired on a Sunday and disrupted flights, railway commuters, and road traffic. The strike was the first of its kind to reach the airport grounds since the conflict in Gaza commenced. Initially, it appears the likely cause was a technical flaw with the interceptor system.
Four individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated at hospitals. Multiple international airlines postponed or scrapped flights, showcasing the repercussions this attack could have on the aviation industry world-wide.
The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Israel since the war in Gaza commenced in October 2023. Typically, these missiles have been intercepted, but some have penetrated Israel's defense systems and caused property damage. Israel has responded with strikes against the rebels in Yemen.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the United States was supporting Israel’s actions against the Houthis. "It's not just a flash-in-the-pan, there will be more," Netanyahu said, implying that Israel would retaliate. In another statement, he underscored that Israel would respond not only to the Houthis but also their "Iranian terror masters" at a time and place of Israel's choosing.
Security Cabinet members were set to cast votes on plans to intensify conflict in Gaza in the evening. Defense Minister Eyal Zamir stated, "We will conduct operations in additional areas and we will destroy all infrastructure above and below ground." Extreme right-wing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed a desire for a substantial expansion of the war, advocating bombing “food and electricity supplies” in Gaza.
Since the 8-week ceasefire with Hamas collapsed in March, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed. Israel has terminated the supply of goods into Gaza in an attempt to compel Hamas to negotiate on Israel's terms for a new ceasefire. This action has plunged the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people, into what might be the worst humanitarian crisis of the conflict. Hunger has become prevalent, and shortages have incited looting.
In a dispute over aid for Gaza, Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, stated that his country had offered to send a marine surveyor to assess the damage to a ship carrying aid and organized by pro-Palestinian activists. However, the ship’s captain declined. The activists claimed their vessel was struck by drones, assigning blame to Israel. The Israeli military has remained silent on the issue.
More tragic deaths occurred in southern and central Gaza when Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians, including two children, aged 2 and 4. The military had no comment on the incident. Two Israeli soldiers were also killed in combat in Gaza, bringing the total killed since the fighting resumed in March to eight.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants launched attacks on southern Israel. Israel has claimed that over 59 hostages remain captive in Gaza, however around 35 may have been killed. The Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 52,000 Palestinians in Gaza according to Palestinian health officials, many of whom are women and children. The fighting has displaced more than 90% of Gaza’s population. Unsurprisingly, the conflict has been bloody and destructive.
Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel; Samy Magdy in Cairo; Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem, and Kevin Schembri in Birkirkara, Malta, contributed to this report.
Potential implications for international airlines
The attack on Ben Gurion International Airport has raised concerns for international carriers, showcasing the potential risks to global aviation. While specific airline responses are not detailed in available reports, this incident underscores the significance of heightened regional tensions and the risks they pose. Future attacks on critical air transport infrastructure could have far-reaching effects on international aviation and commercial activities.
Additional information:The type of missile used in the attack is unspecified in the provided article. Iran’s alleged arming of the Houthis, despite a UN embargo, has been a contentious issue in regional and international relations. U.S. involvement includes recent airstrikes in Yemen in response to Houthi aggression.
- The chaos at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, a result of a missile strike near an access road, could potentially have far-reaching effects on international aviation.
- The Houthi attacks on Israel, including the one at Ben Gurion International Airport, could escalate further as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Israel will retaliate against the Houthis and their "Iranian terror masters."
- In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Defense Minister Eyal Zamir expressed plans for Israel to conduct operations in additional areas and destroy all infrastructure above and below ground.
- Despite the ceasefire with Hamas collapsing in March, international aid for Gaza remains contested, as exemplified by a dispute over aid for Gaza between Malta and pro-Palestinian activists.
- The conflict in Gaza has been bloody and destructive, with over 52,000 Palestinians killed, many of whom are women and children, and hundreds more killed since the fighting resumed in March.
- The war-and-conflicts section of general news outlets might feature reports on the escalating tensions between Israel and the Houthis, as well as in the Gaza Strip, given the potential impacts on global aviation and commercial activities.
- The crime-and-justice section of news outlets could address the legal aspects surrounding the use of missiles in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly given the UN embargo on Iran arming the Houoffs.
