Israeli Air Force intercepts drone approaching likely from Yemen

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approaching Israeli territory, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press service, as reported by Caliber.Az.

The drone, believed to have been launched from Yemen, was neutralised before it could enter Israeli airspace.

No air raid sirens were activated, “in line with protocol,” the IDF confirmed.

Amidst its conflict with Hamas, Israel has faced multiple drone incursions in recent years, often attributed to Iran or its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, rooted in decades of territorial and political disputes, has seen significant escalation since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 250 hostages taken.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel's retaliatory military operations in Gaza have resulted in over 55,100 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and over 127,400 injuries, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people – or about 90 per cent of the population – across the Gaza Strip have been displaced during the war. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Since the recent displacement orders were issued, more people have been forced to flee in search of safety. 

By Khagan Isayev