What's happened
On May 4, 2025, a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck near Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel, injuring several people and temporarily halting flights. The attack coincided with a critical meeting of Israeli ministers regarding military operations in Gaza, escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Attack
The missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport underscores the escalating conflict in the region, particularly as Israel prepares for a broader military campaign in Gaza.
Implications for Air Travel
- Safety Concerns: The Houthis have warned that Israeli airspace is unsafe, which could deter international airlines from operating flights to Israel.
- Operational Disruptions: The attack caused immediate disruptions, with several flights canceled or diverted, highlighting vulnerabilities in Israel's air defense systems.
Political Ramifications
- Israeli Response: Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, have vowed to retaliate, indicating a potential escalation in military actions against Houthi positions in Yemen.
- International Dynamics: The involvement of Iran, as the Houthis are backed by Tehran, complicates the geopolitical landscape, potentially drawing in other regional powers and affecting U.S. interests in the area.
Future Outlook
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further missile strikes from the Houthis and increased military responses from Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, which may further fuel hostilities and complicate peace efforts.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the missile strike caused panic at the airport, with passengers scrambling for cover. Israeli media reported that the missile landed near a parking lot, creating a significant crater but causing no major damage to airport infrastructure. The New Arab noted that the attack resulted in injuries to six people and led to a temporary suspension of flights, with some airlines diverting their routes. The Independent highlighted the Houthis' claim that the strike was a show of solidarity with Palestinians, emphasizing the ongoing conflict's impact on regional stability. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli military is investigating the incident, which raises questions about the effectiveness of its air defense systems. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the complexity of the situation, with each source providing unique insights into the implications of the attack.
How we got here
The missile strike is part of a series of attacks by Houthi rebels against Israel, which began after the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023. The Houthis claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians, while Israel has been intensifying its military operations in Gaza, leading to significant casualties and humanitarian crises.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this attack for air travel?
- How is Israel responding to the Houthi threats?
- What is the current situation in Gaza?
Common question
-
What are the latest developments in Israel's military actions?
Israel's military actions have been making headlines recently, with significant events unfolding in both Syria and Gaza. As tensions rise, many are left wondering about the implications of these actions and their impact on the region. Below, we address some of the most pressing questions surrounding Israel's military operations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
More on these topics
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
-
Ben Gurion Airport, commonly known by its Hebrew acronym as Natbag, is the main international airport of Israel and the busiest airport in the country, located on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, which is about 45 km northwest of Jerusalem and 2
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
-
The Houthi movement, officially called Ansar Allah and colloquially simply Houthis, is an Islamic political and armed movement that emerged from Sa'dah in northern Yemen in the 1990s.