Yemeni Houthi group fires drones, missiles at Israel

ANKARA

The Yemeni Houthi group said Tuesday it fired a large number of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to an Israeli onslaught against the Gaza Strip.

"Our armed forces launched a large batch of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones on several targets for the Israeli enemy," said spokesman Yahya Saree.

The group vowed to fire additional missiles and drones at Israel if it continues its war against Gaza.

Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli army said its air defense systems intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched from the Red Sea area.

It said fighter jets downed "hostile targets," believed to be drones, in the Red Sea.

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by the Palestinian group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict since then, including 8,525 Palestinians and 1,538 Israelis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire, saying it would be a "surrender" to Hamas.

An Israeli blockade of the strip has also cut off Gaza from fuel, electricity and water supplies.

Reduced aid deliveries are unable to satisfy the needs of the more than 2 million residents in the coastal enclave.