Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a drone attack on Eilat, Israel, injuring 22 people. In retaliation, Israel carried out an attack in Gaza, killing at least 41 Palestinians and injuring many.
Jerusalem. Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a drone attack on Wednesday on Israel's southern city of Eilat, injuring 22 people. The attack successfully penetrated the Israeli missile defense system, which typically intercepts such assaults. Two of the injured are reported to be in serious condition.
This Houthi rebel attack is part of a series of their previous assaults on Israel. They claimed to have fired two drones at Israel. The Israeli army stated that their attempt to intercept the drones was unsuccessful. Magen David Adom Rescue Service reported that the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.
41 Palestinians killed in Gaza
In response to the Houthi drone attack, Israel carried out military action in the Gaza Strip. At least 41 Palestinians were killed in this attack, including women and children. Al-Awda Hospital in Gaza reported that 12 people were killed and 18 injured in the attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp.
According to Dr. Fadel Naim, director of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, 22 people were killed in attacks on tents housing displaced individuals. The Israeli army stated that they targeted two Hamas fighters and used precision weapons to avoid civilian casualties.
Houthi Motive Behind the Drone Attack
The Houthi rebels stated that their attacks are in support of the Palestinian people. This Iran-backed group has repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks against Israel, but most of these attacks either fail or land in uninhabited areas. In this particular attack, the Houthis succeeded in penetrating Israel's robust missile defense system.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on social media platform X, "Whoever harms Israel will suffer sevenfold."
Situation and Conditions in Gaza
Gaza City is completely devastated. Millions of people have been displaced due to Israeli attacks. Approximately 300,000 people have fled Gaza, but around 700,000 remain there as they lack the resources to go elsewhere.
The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel. This attack killed 1,200 people and took 251 people hostage. Of these, 48 hostages are in Gaza, with only 20 expected to be alive. Israel's retaliatory actions have so far resulted in over 65,000 deaths in Gaza.
Conditions in Gaza are severe. Earlier this month, Israel launched a major military operation in Gaza City. According to experts, there is a state of starvation, and civilians lack sufficient food and water.
Gaza Issue in the UN General Assembly
Gaza's dire situation and Israeli attacks have also drawn attention at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, have expressed hope for a new plan to establish peace in the region.
Witkoff stated in New York that the 'Trump 21-point peace plan' was discussed with Arab leaders. The plan considers the concerns of Israel and neighboring countries. However, the detailed specifics of this plan have not yet been revealed.
Violence in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank
Reports of violence have also emerged from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Near the northern city of Jenin, the Israeli army shot and killed a 24-year-old Palestinian. The army stated that he had attempted to throw explosives at soldiers.
