Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 8: A drone launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Ramon International Airport in southern Israel on Sunday, injuring one person and forcing a temporary airspace closure. All flights were suspended as security forces rushed to the scene, with smoke rising near the terminal.

According to Israeli officials, air defences intercepted several drones outside the country’s airspace, but at least one managed to breach and crash close to Eilat. The attack is part of a series of near-daily strikes by the Houthis since the escalation of regional hostilities.

The incident comes two weeks after Israel’s strike on Sanaa that killed Houthi prime minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, prompting vows of retaliation. The Houthis have since fired missiles and cluster bombs at Israel, though most have been intercepted.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it intercepted three more drones launched from Yemen shortly before the Ramon Airport strike.

In Gaza, Israel has intensified its assault on Gaza City, ordering mass evacuations ahead of a possible ground offensive. Aid agencies warned that nearly one million residents face worsening displacement and a looming “man-made famine.”

Israel maintains that Hamas militants are operating from within civilian areas and has targeted high-rise towers allegedly used for military purposes. Hamas has rejected the claims, insisting the buildings were residential. Despite mounting global calls for restraint, Israeli bombardments continued through the weekend.