A drone fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck the southern Israeli city of Eilat on Wednesday, wounding 22 people, local medics reported. The attack represented a rare breach of Israel’s sophisticated missile defense system, which usually intercepts most drones and missiles launched at the country.
Houthi Drone Strikes Eilat, Injuring Civilians
Emergency services quickly transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, with two individuals sustaining severe shrapnel injuries to their limbs. Medical teams confirmed they provided immediate care to the injured.
The Houthi movement, supported by Iran, has previously fired drones and missiles toward Israel, claiming to act in support of the Palestinians. Israeli defense systems have intercepted most of these projectiles, and those that were not intercepted landed in open areas without causing injuries.
In a statement, the Houthis said they had launched two drones at Israel. The Israeli military confirmed that it attempted to intercept the drones. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister warned that anyone harming Israel would face severe repercussions.
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This rare strike in Eilat demonstrates the ability of some drones to bypass even advanced defense measures. Authorities continue to investigate how the drone managed to penetrate Israel’s airspace.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Dozens
While the drone attack hit Israel, Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 41 Palestinians, according to local hospitals. Among the casualties were women and children, with some victims killed in densely populated areas.
One airstrike targeted tents sheltering displaced people in Gaza City, killing at least 22, including three children and nine women, hospital officials said. Another strike hit a group of Palestinians in the Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 12 and wounding 18 more.
Israeli forces said they targeted militants in Gaza using precise munitions while attempting to minimize civilian casualties. Israel claims that Hamas militants often operate in civilian areas, which complicates military operations.
Additional strikes in the area also resulted in the deaths of four people — two children and their parents — in Nuseirat. Hospitals in southern Gaza reported casualties from gunfire while victims were seeking medical aid. Humanitarian organizations have noted that hundreds of people have been killed in recent months while approaching Israeli forces or attempting to obtain assistance.
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In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shot and killed a 24-year-old Palestinian near the northern city of Jenin after he reportedly hurled an explosive device at them.
International Efforts and U.S. Peace Plan
Amid the ongoing violence, U.S. officials expressed cautious optimism over a new peace plan aimed at ending the war. The plan, presented to Arab leaders this week, seeks to address concerns of Israel and its neighboring countries, including the recent drone strike in Eilat that wounded 22 people.
U.S. negotiators emphasized that discussions are ongoing and that efforts are being made to find common ground. Officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council noted that work toward peace continues even as violence escalates, including the rare breach of Israel’s defenses seen in Eilat. Egyptian leaders described the proposals as a potential foundation for future peace initiatives.
The United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, has spent months trying to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages. These efforts faced setbacks earlier this month when Israel conducted an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Rare Eilat Drone Strike Highlights Israel Gaza Conflict
The current conflict in Gaza began in October 2023 when Hamas-led militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in over a thousand deaths and the taking of hostages. Israel’s ongoing operations in response have killed tens of thousands in Gaza, with women and children making up a significant portion of the fatalities, according to local health authorities.
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Israeli forces recently launched another ground operation in Gaza City. The city is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced and many unable to leave due to financial or logistical constraints. Meanwhile, the impact of the Eilat drone strike continues to underscore the vulnerabilities faced by Israel, even in cities far from Gaza.
The drone attack in Eilat marks a rare moment when Israel’s missile defenses were bypassed, highlighting the ongoing threats from Houthi rebels. At the same time, Israeli airstrikes continue to cause significant casualties in Gaza, underscoring the intense and ongoing conflict in the region.