Tel Aviv (South24 Center)

On Tuesday, August 5, the Iran-backed Houthi group announced a fresh missile attack targeting Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, framing it as a response to collective crimes in Gaza. The Israeli military, however, stated the attack was intercepted without casualties.

Al-Masirah TV, the Houthis' media arm, reported the launch of a "Palestine-2" hypersonic missile toward the Israeli airport, claiming that it caused panic among civilians and disrupted air traffic. Independent verification of on-ground damage remains unavailable.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared in a televised statement that the operation was part of direct support for Gaza, vowing continued attacks until Israel stops its aggression and lifts the siege.

The Israeli military confirmed that sirens sounded in central Israel but reported no injuries or damage. A spokesperson said air defenses successfully intercepted the missile, with emergency protocols activated for potential follow-up strikes.

This attack follows a series of drone strikes on August 3 targeting Jaffa, Ashkelon, and Haifa port, as part of the Houthis’ sustained campaign involving missile and maritime attacks against Israeli-linked assets.

The group in early July resumed targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea after a pause since November 2024, sinking two vessels that led to the deaths of four sailors, and with around 10 crew members taken hostage by the Houthis. The group has threatened to attack all ships owned or operated by companies dealing with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality or destination.

The Houthis frame these operations as retaliation for what they call Israel's genocide and starvation of Palestinians, accusing it of waging a U.S.-backed war on Gaza's civilians despite global ceasefire calls.

Since October 2023, the group has escalated strikes on Israeli targets and shipping routes using missiles, drones, and naval assets, expanding regional conflict fronts along the Red Sea.

Israel has reciprocated with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, hitting Hodeidah port and energy facilities, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage.