Air raid sirens blared across several areas in Israel early Thursday following a missile attack from Yemen, marking an escalation in regional tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed the sirens, while explosions were reported in Jerusalem shortly after. No immediate injuries were reported, according to the Magen David Adom (MADA) rescue service.
The attack comes as Yemen’s Houthi group resumed missile strikes following the collapse of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this week. Sirens were also heard in central Israel during the 4 a.m. assault, police said.
Israel Expands Ground Operations in Gaza
Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it had retaken part of the Netzarim Corridor in northern Gaza, a key area from which troops had withdrawn in January during a now-defunct ceasefire. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that military operations would intensify until Hamas releases hostages and relinquishes control of Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday shattered the ceasefire, killing more than 400 Palestinians, including many women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The renewed military offensive has sparked concerns over the fate of about two dozen hostages still held by Hamas. Thousands of Israelis protested in Jerusalem, calling for a deal to secure their release.
UN Worker Killed Amid Intensifying Strikes
The United Nations reported that one of its employees was killed, and five others wounded in an apparent strike on a guesthouse in Gaza. It remains unclear who was responsible for the attack. Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the UN Office for Project Services, stated that Israel was aware of the compound’s status before the strikes. However, Israeli military officials denied targeting the UN facility.
Escalating Violence Raises Humanitarian Concerns
With Israeli forces reinforcing their positions in Gaza, Defense Minister Katz signaled plans to order further evacuations of Palestinian civilians from combat zones. “Tuesday’s bombardment was just the first step,” Katz said, vowing an intensified offensive until Hamas surrenders.
As the conflict escalates, international concerns grow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ceasefire had previously allowed for a surge of aid into the region and led to the release of hostages held for over 15 months. However, with hostilities resuming, fears of an all-out war continue to mount.