Incident at Ben-Gurion International Airport
Flights and commuter traffic at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport were briefly interrupted on Sunday due to a missile fired by Iranian-backed rebels from Yemen. The missile impacted near an access road, leading to panic among passengers.
The missile strike occurred shortly before Israeli Cabinet ministers were scheduled to vote on intensifying military operations in Gaza. Israel’s military had been mobilizing tens of thousands of reserve soldiers, according to Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Chief of Staff.
This incident marked the first missile strike on the airport since the onset of the conflict in Gaza. Initial military assessments suggested that a technical malfunction in the interceptor system may have contributed to the incident.
As a result of the attack, Israel’s paramedic service reported four individuals sustained minor injuries. Several international airlines subsequently canceled or delayed flights. The ongoing conflict involving Hamas and Hezbollah had already led many airlines to pause services to Israel, although some had resumed operations in recent months.
In a recent statement, the Houthis warned airlines of potential “repeated targeting” of Ben-Gurion Airport, urging them to cancel flights to avoid jeopardizing passenger safety. The group aims to bolster its position as a notable player in the region by expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Israel’s Response and Escalation Plans
In retaliation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the U.S. is backing Israeli military operations against Houthi rebels. Netanyahu emphasized that while the conflict won’t end quickly, Israel will respond decisively, including against their Iranian affiliates at a strategic time of their choosing.
As the Israeli security Cabinet convenes to discuss further military action in Gaza, there are indications of plans to expand operations significantly. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for intensified strikes on Gaza’s essential infrastructure. Following a previous ceasefire, which allowed humanitarian aid into the region and released some hostages, the situation dramatically worsened after hostilities resumed in March.
Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Impact
The renewed conflict has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, triggering widespread hunger and looting amid severe shortages. Reports from Palestinian officials estimate over 52,000 deaths since the escalation, predominantly involving women and children, and more than 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times.
Recent airstrikes by Israel resulted in the deaths of at least seven Palestinians, including children aged 2 and 4. Meanwhile, the ongoing fighting has led to the deaths of six Israeli soldiers since the resurgence of hostilities. The conflict erupted when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, leading to significant casualties and hostage situations.
