Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile Amid Growing Tensions

Late Monday, Israel’s military intercepted a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, setting off air raid sirens in central Israel, including Tel Aviv. There were no injuries reported, according to Israel’s rescue service, Magen David Adom. This latest attack follows a series of drone and missile launches from the Houthis targeting Israel and shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor. The Houthis claim these actions will continue until a ceasefire is established in the Gaza Strip.

In response to prior missile strikes, Israel has conducted multiple air raids in Yemen, heightening the likelihood of further retaliation. At a U.N. Security Council meeting, Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to respond decisively to such attacks.

Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The United Nations reported that Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated due to continuous Israeli airstrikes. A U.N. and Palestinian Red Crescent team evacuated critically ill patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, now deemed inoperable.

According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ten patients were evacuated, four of whom were detained by Israeli forces. The facility is no longer capable of providing medical care. Relentless strikes have hindered over 60% of humanitarian aid movements in the last three days.

Reports of Harsh Conditions in Gaza Hospitals

Wounded Palestinians expelled from Kamal Adwan Hospital described severe conditions during the Israeli military operation. Survivors reported being forced to wait in freezing temperatures with minimal clothing and no access to food or water.

The Israeli military alleged the hospital was being used by Hamas militants, detaining over 240 individuals, including the hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. These claims have been denied by hospital staff.

Syria’s Political Shift and Economic Updates

In Syria, Islamist rebels have consolidated power following the ousting of President Bashar Assad. Ukraine pledged support to the new administration, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visiting Damascus to discuss aid, including 500 tons of wheat flour.

Syria also appointed its first female interim Central Bank governor, Maysaa Sabreen, as the nation navigates an economic crisis exacerbated by years of war and sanctions. Turkey has extended an offer to export electricity to Syria and Lebanon, aiming to alleviate the region’s power shortages.