BEN GURION AIRPORT, Israel: In a significant escalation of tensions in the region, a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck near Israel's primary international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport, on Sunday, May 4. The incident unfolded as passengers were inside the terminal, leading to widespread panic as smoke billowed into the air from the impact site.

Claiming responsibility for this missile strike, the Iran-aligned Houthis have ramped up their missile attacks on Israel, stating that their actions are a form of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing conflicts. This particular attack marks a noteworthy increase in hostilities, which have raised alarms about regional security.

During a press briefing, senior Israeli police commander Yair Hetzroni detailed the aftermath of the strike, showing reporters the crater left by the missile. He noted that the impact created a significant hole, measuring several meters in diameter and depth, located adjacent to a busy road near the Terminal 3 parking lot. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Hetzroni assured the public that there were no substantial damages reported.

In response to the missile attack, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning, stating, “Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold.” This statement reflects the government’s hardline stance on security issues and serves as a reminder of Israel's commitment to retaliate against such threats.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Israel's Channel 12 News reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to convene a meeting with security ministers and defense officials to deliberate on an appropriate response to the missile launch. The urgency of this meeting underscores the seriousness with which the Israeli government is treating this incident.

Historically, Israel’s advanced missile defense systems have successfully intercepted most missile launches originating from Yemen. However, there was a notable exception last year when a missile struck Tel Aviv, heightening concerns about the effectiveness of these defense measures. The military has announced that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sunday's incident, particularly focusing on the missile's trajectory and interception failure.

As the attack unfolded, sirens were activated across central Israel, including in the major metropolitan area of Tel Aviv, prompting immediate reactions from those in the vicinity. A Reuters correspondent at Ben Gurion Airport reported hearing the sirens and observing passengers rushing toward designated safe rooms as a precautionary measure.

Eyewitness accounts from the airport included several passengers capturing the event on their smartphones. Videos shared on social media depicted a dramatic plume of black smoke rising in the background, clearly visible behind parked aircraft and airport buildings. It's important to note that Reuters has not verified the authenticity of these videos.

The Israeli ambulance service reported that eight individuals were transported to the hospital following the missile strike. Among those injured were a man suffering from mild to moderate limb injuries and two women who experienced minor head injuries. This incident has sparked widespread concern about the safety of travelers and the overall security situation in the region.