JERUSALEM — In a troubling escalation of the Middle East conflict, a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels breached Israel’s advanced defense systems and struck the southern city of Eilat, injuring 22 people, including two with severe shrapnel wounds. This incident marks a rare and dangerous success by the Iran-backed Ansarallah (Houthi) group, who claim the drone strike was in support of Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza war.
The Israeli military confirmed that it attempted to intercept the drone, but it ultimately hit its target. Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service, provided rapid medical response and transferred the injured to nearby hospitals.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning via X, stating that “anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold,” hinting at possible retaliatory actions on Yemen. Past Houthi attacks have been largely thwarted by Israel’s Iron Dome and other systems, making Wednesday’s breach particularly significant.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues to spiral. At least 41 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday alone, according to local hospital reports. Among the casualties were children and women, with tent shelters for displaced civilians in Gaza City being struck during Israeli air raids. Dr. Fadel Naim from Al-Ahli Hospital confirmed the devastating toll.
Israeli officials said their strikes targeted Hamas militants and emphasized the use of precision weaponry and measures to avoid civilian harm. However, independent observers and humanitarian groups have documented repeated civilian deaths, with accusations that civilian areas are being targeted directly or used as shields by Hamas.
In the Nuseirat refugee camp, another strike killed 12 people and injured at least 18, while in Deir al-Balah, an entire family—including two young children—was killed when their home was hit. The Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza reported the deaths of three civilians who were shot while seeking aid, adding to a growing list of similar tragedies.
In the occupied West Bank, a 24-year-old Palestinian was shot dead near Jenin after reportedly throwing an explosive device at Israeli forces, adding to the flare-up beyond Gaza.
As the violence continues, international diplomacy remains on edge. At the UN General Assembly, new peace frameworks were discussed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and negotiator Steve Witkoff presented what they called a “Trump 21-point plan for peace.” While optimism was voiced about a breakthrough, trust remains fragile across the region.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi acknowledged the new peace proposals as “an important foundation,” while the US, Egypt, and Qatar continue to press for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. These negotiations, however, suffered a setback after an Israeli airstrike allegedly targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar earlier this month.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Since then, Israel’s retaliation has resulted in over 65,000 deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry — nearly half of whom are reported to be women and children.
Despite mass displacement and dire famine conditions in Gaza City, Israel launched another ground operation this month. Aid agencies estimate over 300,000 people have fled, while as many as 700,000 remain trapped, unable to relocate due to poverty or insecurity.
