Houthi Rebels in Yemen Launch Ballistic Missile at Israel as Ceasefire Breaks

Jerusalem: The Israeli Defense forces confirmed that a ballistic missile fired at southern Israel by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Tuesday, and was successfully intercepted by air defenses. This comes after Israel airstrikes hit Gaza earlier today, breaking the ceasefire with Hamas.

The military forces said sirens sounded in several areas in Israel following a projectile that was launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Houthis Strike After Israeli Offensive

Earlier today, Israeli airstrikes have struck Gaza, killing over 400 people in an intense offensive that brought an end to weeks of relative calm, following stalled negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.

Both Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas accused each other of violating the truce, which had largely held since January, offering a temporary respite for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, where most buildings remain in ruins.

Also Read: Why Are The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Stuck?

Palestinian health authorities report that 326 people have been killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes resumed, breaking a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Israel has vowed to use force to secure the release of its remaining hostages in the region.

Netanyahu Vows ‘Strong Action’

Hours after the airstrikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to take "strong action" against Hamas in Gaza, citing the group's refusal to release hostages and its rejection of ceasefire proposals.

Israel's office announced that the country will intensify its military actions against Hamas moving forward.

In response, Hamas accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement made in January, leaving the fate of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza uncertain.