A drone launched by Yemen's Houthi militants struck Ramon International Airport in southern Israel on Sunday, causing temporary disruptions to air traffic. The Israeli military reported that the drone breached the country's air defenses and hit the passenger terminal, resulting in shattered glass and smoke. One person sustained light shrapnel wounds from the incident, according to Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service.

The attack involved multiple drones, but most were intercepted before reaching their targets. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike, describing it as a "unique, qualitative military operation." Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, warned that Israeli airports are unsafe and urged foreigners to leave for their safety.

This drone strike follows recent Israeli airstrikes in Yemen that killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and other officials, escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed group. The Houthis have increased their aerial assaults on Israel since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. They have employed cluster munitions in some of these attacks, which are more difficult for Israel's air defense systems to intercept.

In response to the drone strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing military operations in Gaza City. He stated that the offensive aims to dismantle what he described as the Iranian axis's influence in the region. Netanyahu claimed that over 100,000 Palestinians have evacuated Gaza City, a figure disputed by international organizations, which report only 41,000 have left.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, with Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau, stating that the group will not cease hostilities until an independent Palestinian state is established. He indicated that Hamas is open to a long-term truce in exchange for the release of hostages held in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

On the same day as the drone strike, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza reportedly killed at least 13 Palestinians, including children. The Israeli military stated that it targeted militants near a school where displaced individuals were sheltering, claiming to have warned civilians to evacuate beforehand. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 64,000 people have died since the conflict began, with many casualties being women and children.

As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with aid workers expressing concern for the safety of civilians amid ongoing military operations.