Tel Aviv: A ballistic missile launched from Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday morning, injuring eight people and halting air traffic. The missile hit a road inside the airport’s perimeter, damaging a vehicle and scattering debris across surrounding areas.
Photos and video footage verified by Al Jazeera showed the impact site clearly, confirming damage to infrastructure. Paramedics at the scene treated eight individuals for various injuries.
The Israeli military admitted its defense systems failed to intercept the missile despite multiple attempts. An investigation into the failure is under way. The missile launch caused sirens to sound across central Israel, pushing residents into shelters.
Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility. In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared Ben Gurion airport “no longer safe for air travel.” He warned international airlines to avoid the location.
The strike triggered a temporary suspension of all flights. Several inbound planes were redirected. Train routes toward the airport also stopped briefly. Israeli authorities closed all airport entrances during the emergency response.
Ben Gurion is Israel’s busiest airport, located near Tel Aviv. The attack marks the most direct strike on the airport’s vicinity since the Israel-Gaza conflict escalated.
This is the latest in a series of Houthi attacks targeting Israeli sites in opposition to its military campaign in Gaza. The Houthis have aligned themselves with Palestinians and said they are acting against Israel’s siege and bombing campaign.
According to Palestinian officials, Israeli attacks on Gaza have lasted over 18 months and killed more than 52,495 people. Among the dead are 57 who reportedly starved after Israel’s total blockade since March 2.
The strike comes amid heightened regional tensions. Analysts believe this bold move by the Houthis could trigger Israeli retaliation and further destabilize the region.
Israeli media aired videos showing scorched pavement and a destroyed vehicle near the impact zone. Emergency services quickly cleared the area, and air traffic resumed later in the day under heavy military presence.
The event has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of Israel’s aerial defense systems, especially around key infrastructure. Security experts called for an urgent review of protection strategies for civilian and transport hubs.
Airlines and passengers expressed anxiety over the breach. Some foreign carriers temporarily suspended operations until security assessments are complete.
The Houthis, based in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, have launched drones and missiles toward Israel since the war in Gaza intensified. They say their actions are part of a broader effort to support Palestinians under occupation.
Israel has not yet announced a formal response, but government sources suggest military retaliation is being discussed.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as investigations progress and international reactions unfold.
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