Jerusalem, September 15, 2024 — The Israeli military said on Sunday that a missile fired from Yemen had strayed into central Israel, without causing any injuries but worsening regional tensions. The missile hit an open area near Lod and Modin, both to the southeast of Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial capital.
Photographs from AFP showed firefighters at work in extinguishing a brush fire near Lod and assessing damage at a train station in Modin. The Israeli military said the missile was from the surface-to-surface category, confirming that air-defense systems intercepted some explosions associated with the missile.
The Huthi rebels have not taken responsibility for the attacks, but are part of the Iran-aligned “axis of resistance” of militant groups that have been involved in the latest conflict in Gaza.
The roots of the conflict had their reasons in an attack made by Hamas on October 7, 2023, through which war affected the Gaza Strip.
Background of Huthi Attacks
The Huthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have been actively conducting attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. In July, the group claimed a drone strike that penetrated Israeli air defenses, killing a civilian in Tel Aviv. This was its most dramatic escalation so far in Huthi-Israeli tensions.Since November 2023, Huthi rebels attacked shipping vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, disrupting global trade routes, killing Filipino sailors, and even caused pollution to the environment when they recently hit a Greek flagged oil tanker off Yemen’s coast.
Israel responded with attacks on Huthi-held facilities in Hodeida, Yemen-this was Israel’s first attacks in that war-torn area. The Huthis have threatened to expand their escalation as retaliation for Israeli actions.
Regional Conflicts Continuously On End
The situation remains very volatile on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, as Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border fire with Israeli forces. The recent exchanges led to significant casualties and displacement on both sides. Hezbollah’s leader warned of grave consequences if the conflict escalates further.
Effects on Israel’s Civilians and Hostage SituationIndeed, the war has taken a deep toll on Israeli civilians. According to reports, thousands have hit the streets in the major cities, demanding action for their hostages. Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediators have been seen trying to get a truce and a hostage release deal but so far, nothing concrete has come of it. Crticisms against the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government continue to mount over how it has been handling the hostage crisis and the overall war.
Casualties have been largely mutual since the broader conflict began when Hamas initiated on 7th October. More than 1,200 have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces. The body toll in Gaza is reported to be over 41,000 by the health ministry there, operated by Hamas, and from causes related to the actions of those Israeli military forces.
