Houthis impose blockade on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport
- The Houthis have declared a blockade on Ben Gurion Airport, targeting it with missile fire.
- Major airlines received warnings regarding the safety of flights to Israel due to the ongoing missile attacks.
- Interceptions of missile launches have been successful, but debris from interceptions has caused concerns for civilian safety.
In the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding the conflict in Gaza, the Houthis, an armed group from Yemen, declared a blockade on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. This announcement was made following their success in targeting Israeli shipping routes in the Red Sea. The Houthis stated that they would continue launching missiles at the airport until the Israeli Defense Forces withdrew from Gaza, emphasizing that the airport is no longer safe for incoming flights. Major international airlines were warned against continuing their operations to Israel amidst the threat of missile fire. As a result, flights have routinely been grounded, and numerous missile launches have been made towards the airport. All recent missile attacks have reportedly been intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, though debris was found in civilian areas, indicating the potential risks involved. Amid these developments, the U.S. has increased its military response to Houthi attacks in the region, including extensive airstrikes in Yemen. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have maintained their attacks on U.S. naval assets, reflecting a broader regional conflict that continues to escalate and impact international aviation and security.