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Sanaa, August 13, 2025 — Yemen’s Houthi movement, a proxy of Palestine has claimed responsibility for a series of drone attacks targeting four Israeli cities, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
According to a televised statement by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, six drones were launched toward Haifa, Negev, Eilat, and Be’er Sheva, allegedly achieving their intended objectives. The attacks were described as retaliation for what the Houthis called Israel’s “genocidal policies” against Palestinians, including “starvation and displacement”.
“We will continue our operations until the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted,” Sarea declared on Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
🕊️ Diplomatic Efforts Undermined
The timing of the attacks comes as international actors — including human rights organizations and governments — are actively working toward a mutually acceptable ceasefire and a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestinian factions. Analysts warn that such drone strikes, especially by proxy groups, risk further aggravating the conflict and tightening the blockade on Gaza, undermining diplomatic progress.
🇾🇪 Regional Fallout and Military Clashes
Israel has not issued an official response to the latest claims. Historically, most Houthi-launched projectiles have been intercepted or failed to reach their targets. In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Yemeni infrastructure, including ports and military installations.
Meanwhile, tensions within Yemen remain high. On Saturday, Yemeni government forces repelled a large-scale Houthi offensive in the Dhalea province. According to a military source, the Houthis deployed heavy artillery in an attempt to breach government lines in Bab Ghalaq. The hour-long battle resulted in the deaths of three Houthi militants and a tactical withdrawal by the group.
🔍 Strategic Implications
Since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. While many of these attacks have been thwarted, the group’s persistence highlights the growing complexity of the regional conflict, where non-state actors play increasingly disruptive roles.
The international community now faces heightened urgency to contain the fallout and prevent further destabilization across the Middle East.
