Daijiworld Media Network- Sanaa

Sanaa, May 8: In a fresh escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for launching multiple drone strikes towards Israel, just a day after entering into a ceasefire agreement with the United States. The truce, mediated by Oman, does not apply to the group’s continued attacks against Israel, the Houthis clarified.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, in a televised address aired on the group’s Al-Masirah TV on Wednesday, stated that two drones were fired at Ramon Airport in southern Israel, while another targeted a “vital site” in Tel Aviv. Specific details about the timing or success of these attacks remain undisclosed, although the Houthi outlet confirmed the strikes took place within the last 24 hours.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the interception of a drone originating from the east, believed to be launched from Yemeni territory.

These fresh strikes come just hours after the Israeli Air Force conducted intense aerial bombardments on key Houthi strongholds, including Sanaa International Airport and the strategic Hodeidah port on the Red Sea. According to Israeli sources, the strikes caused significant infrastructural damage, including to three grounded civilian aircraft.

Despite the ceasefire deal struck with Washington on Tuesday — aimed at halting attacks on Red Sea maritime routes — the Iran-backed Houthi group declared that its military operations against Israel would persist until Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and lifts the blockade on Palestinians.

In a dramatic announcement from the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump confirmed the cessation of American airstrikes on Houthi targets. “The Houthis have announced they don’t want to fight anymore. They have capitulated. We will honour that, and the bombings will stop,” Trump said, during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The ceasefire follows a sharp intensification of allied air raids in Yemen in recent weeks, including British involvement. Some of these strikes reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, drawing concern from international humanitarian agencies.

Since the onset of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks, the Houthis have been actively targeting Israeli infrastructure and maritime shipping lanes in the Red Sea, declaring their support for the Palestinian cause.

With tensions in the region remaining high, observers say the ceasefire may be fragile, as the Houthis have reiterated their commitment to continue operations against Israel until what they term as "the siege on Gaza ends."