At least 35 killed, 131 injured in Israeli strikes in Yemen

A devastating Israeli airstrike on Yemen’s capital Sana’a and the northern Al-Jawf province early Wednesday has resulted in at least 35 fatalities and 131 injuries, according to local authorities. Rescue teams continue to search through the rubble amid fears the death toll may rise.

The attack comes just one day after Israel launched strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar.

Yemen’s Ministry of Health reported significant damage to a residential building in Sana’a’s Al-Tahrir neighborhood, a local health center, and the government compound in Al-Hazm, the capital of Al-Jawf province. Many people are feared trapped beneath the debris as firefighters work to control ongoing fires.

The Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV confirmed that the strike directly targeted a health center in southwestern Sana’a and government offices in Al-Hazm, causing numerous casualties.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sare claimed their forces used surface-to-air missiles to repel the attack, forcing some Israeli aircraft to retreat before striking. He stated that the air defense systems launched multiple missiles to counter what he called “Zionist aggression.”

In response, the Israeli military stated its air force targeted Houthi military installations, media offices, and fuel storage facilities in Sana’a and Al-Jawf provinces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was conducted in retaliation for a Houthi drone attack on Ramon Airport. Netanyahu warned that those who attack Israel will be identified and held accountable.