Fourteen injured in Tel Aviv after Israel fails to intercept missile from Yemen

Paramedics treating people for minor injuries with some taken to hospital, says ambulance service

Residents examine the scene of a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photograph: Abir Sultan/EPA
Residents examine the scene of a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photograph: Abir Sultan/EPA

The Israeli military said it failed to intercept a missile from Yemen early on Saturday that fell in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, and the ambulance service said 14 people received mild injuries.

A spokesperson for the Iran-aligned Houthis said they had hit a “military target” in the Jaffa area with a ballistic missile.

Paramedics were treating 14 people with minor shrapnel injuries and some were taken to hospital, the ambulance service said in a statement.

The Israeli police reported receiving reports of a fallen missile in a town in the Tel Aviv area.

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The Houthis have repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

On Thursday, Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen and threatened more attacks against the Yemeni group.

A resident examines a damaged house near the scene of a missile attack in Tel Aviv. Photograph: Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE
A resident examines a damaged house near the scene of a missile attack in Tel Aviv. Photograph: Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE

The Israeli strikes caused “considerable damage” to the Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports “that will lead to the immediate and significant reduction in port capacity”, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The port at Hodeida has been key for food shipments into Yemen during its decade-long civil war.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said both sides’ attacks risk further escalation in the region and undermine UN mediation efforts.

– Reuters/AP