Israel intercepts missile from Yemen as sirens sound across country

Central Israel sounded air-raid sirens on Thursday evening following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the interception of the projectile, which was aimed at southern Israel. There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Earlier, the Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple sites in Sanaa, including the Dhahban power station and residential areas in the al-Nahdin and Haddah neighbourhoods, as well as Maeen district. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that at least eight people were killed, and over 140 others were injured in the attacks. The strikes occurred hours after the IDF had targeted Houthi positions in Yemen in retaliation for previous drone attacks on Israel.

Earlier in the week, a drone launched from Yemen struck the southern Israeli city of Eilat, wounding at least 22 people, including two critically. The attack took place near a hotel in the city centre, causing significant damage. Local authorities criticised the failure of Israel's air defence systems to intercept the drone, and Eilat's mayor has called for retaliatory measures against the Houthis.

These incidents are part of a broader pattern of cross-border attacks between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis have launched several missile and drone strikes on Israeli territory, while Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The ongoing hostilities have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.

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