SANAA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility late Friday night for launching a new "hypersonic ballistic missile" attack on Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israel's defense systems.
The missile attack was in support of the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, adding that the attack achieved its goal.
"Our missile attacks will continue until the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," Sarea said, calling on Arabs and Muslims to rescue the Palestinian people in Gaza, provide food and break the blockade.
The Israeli Defense Forces said on social media earlier Friday night that its defense systems intercepted the missile that triggered sirens across Israel and temporarily halted air traffic. No casualties were reported.
The Houthi missile attack was the second in 48 hours after a missile attack by the Houthis on Wednesday night, which was also reportedly intercepted. It was also the seventh missile fired by the Houthis toward Israel this month.
The repeated missile attacks from Yemen effectively imposed a partial air embargo over Israel's airspace and caused international airlines to delay flights to or from Israel.
The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel and attacking Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, to show solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza. ■
