A ballistic missile fired from Yemen struck Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel, damaging a roadway and several vehicles, and forcing the suspension of air traffic, according to verified photos and videos obtained by Al Jazeera.
The Israeli military confirmed that its defense systems failed to intercept the missile on Sunday morning, despite attempts to neutralize it. Investigations are currently underway, and emergency services reported that eight people were injured in the incident.
The Houthi rebels of Yemen, who have ramped up attacks against Israel claiming to protest its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, took responsibility for the missile strike targeting one of Israel’s busiest international airports.
According to Palestinian officials, over the past 18 months, Israeli operations in Gaza have killed at least 52,495 people, including 57 deaths caused by starvation following Israel’s blockade of the territory since March 2.
In a televised address, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree issued a stern warning to international airlines, declaring that Ben Gurion Airport is no longer safe for air travel.
