Rescuers say at least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military reported that a drone was launched from Yemen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, with attempts made to intercept it.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical service reported that 20 individuals were taken to Yoseftal Hospital, including two men with serious limb injuries.
The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike following the attack.
A spokesman for the group, Yahya Sarea, indicated that two drones targeted two Israeli enemy targets in a successful operation.
Israeli television networks broadcast live footage of the drone strike, showcasing billowing smoke rising from the site of impact.
According to verified footage, a drone could be seen flying down and disappearing behind buildings shortly before the explosion occurred.
IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched to the area of Eilat after receiving a report of a UAV attack, the IDF said in a statement. It added that troops and police were assisting in evacuating the area and a helicopter was dispatched to evacuate the wounded.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz commented, Wishing a full recovery to those injured in the UAV strike in Eilat. The Houthi terrorists refuse to learn from Iran, Lebanon and Gaza - and will learn the hard way. Anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.
The army previously indicated that air raid sirens had sounded throughout the town, marking this incident as one of the most serious attacks by the Houthis in terms of casualties.
In July 2024, an earlier drone attack resulted in one fatality and 10 injuries in Tel Aviv when a drone struck an apartment building near the US embassy branch office.
Eilat, a popular tourist destination, has faced other drone attacks recently, with a previous strike in the hotel area reported just last week, though without casualties.
Earlier this month, one individual was wounded when a Houthi drone targeted Ramon Airport, situated just north of Eilat.
The Houthi group continues to launch missiles and drones toward Israel as part of what they describe as solidarity with the Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the strategic port of Hudaydah, after reports of significant casualties in Yemen following these strikes.
As tensions persist, this latest incident underscores the escalated hostilities between Israel and the Houthi rebels, who control significant areas in Yemen but are not recognized as the legitimate government of the country.
