Yemeni missile disrupts air traffic in Israel, moments before high-ranking officials convene to deliberate on Gaza conflict escalation plans.
Here's a fresh take on the article involving the missile attack on Ben-Gurion International Airport:
Ben-GURION AIRPORT, ISRAEL - A missile set off by Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels sent shockwaves through Israel's main international airport on Sunday, resulting in a brief suspension of service. Panic ensued among travelers as the impact generated smoke, causing spontaneous outbursts of fear and chaos.
The Houthi rebels have shown a pattern of supporting Palestinians in Israel by launching attacks; this raid on Ben-Gurion International Airport took place mere hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers were slated to vote on enhancing military operations in the Gaza Strip. As the violence escalates, the Israeli military announced it was mobilizing thousands of reserves, preparing for a possible expanded offensive in Gaza.
Sirens blared across multiple regions of Israel in response to the missile's detonation. Witnesses reported a plume of smoke near the airport, with passengers frantically searching for cover and yelling in distress.
Initial indications suggest the projectile crashed in a field near an entry road leading to airport parking lots. However, it remains unclear whether the strike was the missile itself or remnants thereof, or an interceptor from Israel's air defense system. In lieu of clarification, a deep crater marred the ground, and the surrounding road was littered with debris.
Israel's paramedic service, Magen David Adom, reported four individuals suffering minor injuries. Air, road, and rail traffic were suspended following the attack before resuming about an hour later, according to the Israel Airports Authority.
Multiple international airlines decided to cancel flights following the strike, although some have since resumed operations. The dispute between Israel and Gaza has led to airlines either reducing or halting flights to Israel, with most returning to pre-conflict levels.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, boasting a hypersonic ballistic missile targeted the airport.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the Houthi rebels have periodically launched missiles towards Israel, with many intercepted but some successfully causing damage. Israel has retaliated with air strikes against the rebels in Yemen, and the U.S., Israel's top ally, launched a campaign of strikes against the rebels as well in March 2025.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed retribution for the attack, stating, "Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold."
In other news, Israeli ministers convened to vote on expanding the conflict in Gaza. As tensions persist and the humanitarian crisis worsens, international efforts to aid the people of Gaza continue to face obstacles and rejection.
Sources:
- Amnesty International
- Human Rights Watch
- AP News
- Al Jazeera
- The Houthi rebels, responsible for a hypersonic missile attack at Ben-Gurion Airport, declared victory in their targeted strike.
- In Toronto, there is growing concern over the escalating war-and-conflicts in Israel and Gaza, with calls for increased general-news coverage from local media outlets.
- Amidst the chaos, several health professionals in the area have come forward, offering aid to those injured during the missile attack.
- As international airlines react to the missile attack by canceling flights to Israel, the arts community in Toronto is organizing a symphony concert to raise funds for Gaza’s war-torn population.
- In the midst of controversy over the military operations in Gaza, Israeli politicians have been advocating for enhanced healthcare services as part of their offer to bring peace and stability to the region.
- The recent news of the missile attack on Ben-Gurion Airport and the ongoing violence in Gaza has overshadowed positive political advancements, such as improving media regulations and promoting environmental initiatives in politics.
