TEL AVIV, Israel — A rocket launched from Yemen struck a location in Tel Aviv in the early hours of Saturday, injuring 16 individuals due to flying glass, as reported by the Israeli military. This incident occurred shortly after Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi rebels, who have been launching attacks in support of Palestinians amid ongoing tensions.
In addition to the injuries caused by the rocket strike, a total of 14 more individuals reported minor injuries as they hurried to seek shelter when the air raid sirens were activated. The military indicated that the projectile hit just prior to 4 a.m. on Saturday.
The Houthi rebels, claiming responsibility for the attack, stated via the Telegram messaging platform that they had targeted a military site, although they did not specify the exact target. This incident followed closely after Israeli airstrikes in Yemen, targeting the capital city Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida, which resulted in at least nine fatalities. These Israeli strikes were a response to a recent Houthi missile strike on an Israeli educational facility. Additionally, the Houthis previously claimed responsibility for a drone strike aimed at an undisclosed military target in central Israel.
The Israeli military reported that the Iran-aligned Houthi group has launched over 200 missiles and drones throughout the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The rebels have also been actively targeting maritime activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, stating their resolve to continue operations until a ceasefire is established in Gaza.
Regarding the Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, a U.N. spokesperson indicated significant damage had been inflicted on Houthi-controlled ports along the Red Sea, predicting a dramatic decrease in their operational capacity. Hodeida’s port has historically played a vital role in facilitating food supplies to Yemen amidst a prolonged civil conflict.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked that the hostilities from both sides pose risks of further escalation and jeopardize ongoing U.N. mediation efforts.
In the Gaza Strip, Saturday saw mourners carrying out the funerals of 19 deceased individuals, among them 12 children, who lost their lives in recent Israeli strikes on Friday and early Saturday. One particular strike targeted a residential building situated in the crowded Nuseirat refugee camp, leading to the death of at least seven individuals, including five children and a woman, with 16 others suffering injuries.
Meanwhile, another strike on a residence in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 12 people, with the toll including seven children and two women, as reported by Al-Ahli Hospital, where the victims were taken. Mourners gathered at this hospital on Saturday morning, visibly grieving and supporting one another amid the sorrowful atmosphere. One individual was seen holding a small body wrapped in a shroud, significantly impactful during the funeral processions.
From Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah, authorities loaded white body bags containing the victims from Nuseirat onto a truck for transport to burial sites. The Health Ministry of Gaza expressed that a total of 21 people had been killed and 61 others injured within the previous 24 hours.
Internationally, Israel is facing intense scrutiny regarding the unprecedented civilian casualties experienced in Gaza and is being questioned about its actions to mitigate such losses. The Israeli government maintains that its operations focus exclusively on combating militants, attributing civilian casualties to the Hamas organization, which operates within densely populated areas. Since the onset of conflict in October 2023, over 45,200 people have reportedly died, with more than 107,500 injuries recorded in the region. Local health authorities have indicated that over half of the deceased are women and children.
On a related note, the Israeli military’s humanitarian division announced a successful operation where thousands of food packages, flour, and water were delivered to the northern Beit Hanoun area of the Gaza Strip. Known as COGAT, this organization confirmed that U.N. trucks distributed 2,000 food parcels, 1,680 sacks of flour, and thousands of liters of water to local distribution centers on Friday. Despite these efforts, aid organizations have criticized military interventions and armed groups as significant barriers to efficient aid delivery to those in need.
Furthermore, Gaza’s Health Ministry made an urgent request on Saturday for medical and food supplies for the Kamal Adwan Hospital situated near Beit Lahia. The hospital director shared that the facility is encountering severe conditions due to continuous gunfire and Israeli shelling in close proximity. According to the ministry, recent artillery strikes threatened the structural integrity, including hitting the third floor and entrances of the hospital.
Dr. Husam Abu Safiyeh, the hospital director, reported that “critical shortages” are affecting operations, stating, “Our needs for electricity, water, and oxygen support remain unmet despite ongoing promises.” He mentioned that only 70 units of blood had been delivered by the World Health Organization, while the hospital currently requires at least 200 units to adequately serve its urgent demands. At present, 72 injured individuals are being treated at the facility.
The appeal for supplies extends beyond medical needs, as Dr. Abu Safiyeh noted severe food shortages, significance exacerbating the challenges in providing meals to the wounded and to the healthcare staff working tirelessly under dire circumstances. “We are reaching out urgently for any assistance available to alleviate this crisis,” he stated. “Our dedicated staff is working endlessly, yet we are unable to provide even basic meals for them.”