Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen: Death Toll Rises to Six, Houthis Vow Revenge
JERUSALEM (AP) — The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Yemen’s Hodeida has risen to six, with 83 others injured, according to Houthi health officials.
The Houthi-led Ministry of Health released a statement citing the updated toll, which had previously reported three dead and 87 wounded. The revised figure comes after a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted the western port city on Sunday.
The strikes were conducted in response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv on Saturday. Israel alleged that the port area attacked was used for the supply of Iranian weapons to Yemen.
In response to the airstrikes, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree reiterated the group’s threats against Israel, stating that they will "not hesitate to attack vital targets of the Israeli enemy" if attacked again.
Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the military would take further action against the Houthis if they "dare to attack" Israel again. Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli army announced it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen towards the town of Eilat on the Red Sea.
Yahya Saree confirmed the launching of missiles against the town, which has been hit by multiple attacks in recent months. Iran condemned the Israeli attacks in Yemen and demanded that Israel and its allies, including the United States, be held responsible for the continuation of crimes in Gaza and the attacks against Yemen.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, considering that the Israeli attack "aggravates the current tension in the region and undermines efforts to end the war in Gaza."
Tensions have been high in the region, with the Houthis launching several attacks against ships they claim are linked to Israel, as well as missile strikes against Israeli cities. The war in Gaza broke out on October 7, when Hamas Islamist commandos killed 1,195 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped 251 in southern Israel. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed thousands of people in Gaza, most of whom were civilians.
Sources: News Agencies