On September 16, 2024, Yehya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, extended congratulations to the Yemeni Houthi group for their recent missile attack on Israel. This event marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between various Middle Eastern factions and Israel.
The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control northern Yemen, successfully launched a missile that reached central Israel on September 15, 2024. This unprecedented strike prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn of severe consequences for the Houthi group.
In a letter addressed to Houthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, Sinwar expressed his approval of the attack, stating, "I congratulate you on your success in reaching the depth of the enemy entity." This communication underscores the alignment between Hamas and the Houthis in their opposition to Israel.
Sinwar emphasized Hamas' determination to continue its resistance against Israel, now in its 24th month. He asserted, "I assure you that the resistance is fine. We have prepared ourselves to fight a long battle of attrition." This statement reflects Hamas' long-standing conflict with Israel, which has intensified since the group took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, claimed that the group employed a new hypersonic ballistic missile for the attack. According to Sarea, the missile traveled 2,040 km in just 11-1/2 minutes, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the Houthi arsenal.
In response to the attack, an Israeli military official reported that their defense systems successfully intercepted the missile, causing it to fragment in the air. Debris from the missile landed in fields and near a railway station, resulting in minor injuries to nine individuals seeking shelter.
This incident highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, where various groups, including Hamas and the Houthis, continue to challenge Israel's security. The ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Yemen, coupled with alleged support from Iran, contribute to the region's instability.
As tensions escalate, the international community remains concerned about the potential for further violence and the impact on civilian populations in the affected areas.