Houthi Rocket Strike on Jaffa Injures 16, Claims Responsibility for Attack

A rocket fired from Yemen struck Jaffa early Saturday morning, injuring 16 people with glass shards after an air raid siren was heard across central Israel at 3:50 a.m. Magen David Adom (MDA) treated 14 others for minor injuries as they sought shelter, while seven additional individuals were treated for anxiety.

The victims, all in stable condition, were evacuated to Wolfson Medical Center and Ichilov Hospital. MDA personnel stated that the blast's impact affected nearby apartment buildings, requiring extensive treatment and evacuation efforts. The wounded included a three-year-old girl, and most were discharged later in the morning after receiving treatment.

The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. Spokesperson Yahya Qasim Sare’e confirmed the launch of a hypersonic ballistic missile aimed at an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) target. The Houthis described the attack as part of a "holy jihad" in retaliation for Israeli actions against Yemen.

Hamas expressed solidarity with the Houthis, praising the missile strike in support of Palestinians.

Security Response and Missile Interception Failure

The Israel Air Force is investigating the failure to intercept the missile, with reports indicating two failed attempts at interception—one in the upper atmosphere and another in the lower atmospheric layer. Military experts noted the complexity of intercepting a large, fast-moving missile like the Palestine 2.

The IDF’s Home Front Command, along with local police, are continuing to investigate the missile fragments found in the Tel Aviv area. Meanwhile, the attack has raised concerns over the Houthis' growing missile capabilities.

The Houthi militia has also escalated its attacks on international shipping, contributing to a sharp increase in distress calls to the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) hotline.