"Our missile attacks will continue until the aggression in Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesperson in Yemen, announced on the group's al-Masirah TV channel on 18/7 following the missile launch. He added that the attack achieved its intended objectives.

A Houthi missile launches in a December 2024 attack. Photo: *Al Masirah*

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting missiles launched from Yemen on the same day, triggering air raid sirens across the country and disrupting air traffic. There were no casualties.

This marks the Houthi group's second missile attack against Israel in 48 hours and the seventh this month.

The Houthi group began targeting Israel and maritime shipping routes in November 2023, declaring support for Hamas in its conflict with Tel Aviv in the Gaza Strip.

Traffic through the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for global oil and goods, has significantly decreased due to Houthi attacks on ships in response to Israel's operations in Gaza.

In retaliation, Israel has conducted several airstrikes on Houthi-related targets in Yemen, including the port city of Hodeida earlier this month.

Location of Yemen and Israel. Graphic: *AFP*

Vu Hoang (*Times of Israel, Xinhua, Reuters*)