Missile from Yemen lands in central Israel

A long-range missile fired from Yemen landed in an open area in central Israel early on Sunday, the Israeli military said, with no casualties or damage reported so far.

Details of the Incident:

• The missile triggered air raid sirens, including at Ben Gurion International Airport, where passengers rushed to take shelter in safe rooms and a train.
• The military clarified that explosions heard in the area were the result of interception attempts.
• Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the missile launch.
• The military spokesperson for the Houthis stated, "It forced more than two million Zionists to run to shelters for the first time in the enemy’s history."
• The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly fired drones and missiles toward Israel since the start of the war in Gaza, in solidarity with Palestinians.
  

  Previous Incidents:
  

• In July, an Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis struck Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality and 10 injuries.
• This attack prompted Israeli airstrikes on areas of Yemen held by the Houthis.

  Source: Deutsche Welle

  Thousands protest for hostage deal
  

  Thousands of people have once more taken part in rallies in Israel’s main cities, with protesters calling on the government to secure the release of hostages in Gaza.

  Current Situation:
  

• There are still 97 hostages held in the Gaza Strip out of the 251 captured by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during deadly raids in southern Israel on October 7, according to the Israeli military, with 33 confirmed deceased.
• Critics accuse the government of stalling on a deal to liberate the remaining hostages, focusing on military actions against Hamas instead.
• Weekly protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have been increasing in size since the announcement that six hostages were shot dead by militants in a southern Gaza tunnel before being retrieved by Israeli troops.

  In conclusion, both incidents highlight the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and groups like the Houthis and Hamas. The missile attack from Yemen underscores the regional instability and security threats faced by Israel, while the hostage situation in Gaza showcases the humanitarian and political challenges in the region. These events have broader implications for international relations and security, underscoring the importance of diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution to prevent further escalations and protect civilian lives.