Rescuers say at least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military said a drone was launched from Yemen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, with attempts made to intercept it.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical service confirmed that 20 people were taken to Yoseftal Hospital, including two men with serious limb injuries.
The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike, marking one of the most serious attacks against Israel in terms of casualties in recent memory.
A spokesman for the group, Yahya Sarea, stated that two drones targeted two Israeli enemy targets as part of a successful operation.
Footage broadcast on Israeli TV revealed the immediate aftermath of the drone strike, depicting smoke billowing from the site.
The IDF reported that troops and police were dispatched to Eilat for evacuation efforts, utilizing helicopters to transport the injured to safety.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed his hopes for a swift recovery to those injured, while vowing a strong response against the attackers, stating, Anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.\
This incident follows a series of similar attacks on Eilat, which is popular with tourists, reflecting a growing trend in Houthi aggression towards Israel amidst ongoing regional conflicts.
The proposal by the Houthis to launch these attacks stems from perceived solidarity with Palestinians in the current war involving Israel and Hamas.
The last few months have seen increased tension in the region, marked by missile and drone strikes exchanged between the Houthis and Israeli forces, highlighting the complexities and dangers that continue to escalate in the region.
