Tel Aviv: A drone launched by the Houthi militant group from Yemen struck Israel’s southern Ramon International Airport near Eilat, leading to the closure of airspace over southern Israel and a halt in flight operations, according to the Israeli military. Multiple drones were launched by the Houthis, several of which were intercepted before entering Israeli territory, but at least one struck the airport’s passenger hall. One person was lightly injured by shrapnel from the blast.

This attack follows a pattern of near-daily Houthi strikes on Israel since the escalation of the Gaza conflict last year. Earlier this year, a Houthi missile hit near Israel’s main airport, causing injuries and extensive flight cancellations. Israel responded to such provocations by striking Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the destruction of the main airport in Sanaa, the rebel-held capital.

Houthi deputy media chief Nasruddin Amer described the strike as a “unique, qualitative military operation,” warning that “enemy airports are unsafe” and that other sensitive targets remain on their list.

The drone attack occurred two weeks after an Israeli airstrike killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several cabinet members in Sanaa. Following these events, the Houthis vowed to escalate attacks targeting Israel and ships in the Red Sea. Their recent use of cluster munitions, which disperse smaller explosives and are harder to intercept, has raised the threat level against Israel’s air defences.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the military operation in Gaza City, despite ongoing faltering negotiations with Hamas. Netanyahu claimed a major civilian evacuation from Gaza City ahead of the final phase of the operation, though UN reports suggest far fewer people have been able to leave.

Hamas insists that it will not disarm until the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as the capital. The group expressed willingness for a long-term truce that includes the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. About 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with unclear survival status.

Israeli strikes on Sunday killed at least 13 Palestinians, including children and women, with some strikes targeting shelters such as schools. The Israeli military maintains it targets militants and weapons storage within civilian areas but warns of civilian casualties. Since the conflict began, Palestinian casualties have exceeded 64,000, with over 162,000 injured, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

With inputs from AP