Rescuers say 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military stated a drone was launched from Yemen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, despite efforts made to intercept it.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical service indicated that 20 individuals were transported to the Yoseftal Hospital, with two suffering serious limb injuries.
Israeli media has speculated it was a Houthi strike, although the Yemeni group has not officially claimed responsibility.
Live footage aired by Israeli TV stations depicted the drone strike's aftermath, showcasing billowing smoke rising from the impacted area. Social media also featured verified footage of a drone in the sky, disappearing behind buildings seconds before the explosion.
The IDF, alongside Israel Police, was dispatched to Eilat following reports of a UAV attack, engaging in evacuation efforts and deploying a helicopter to transport the injured.
Local authorities urged residents to remain in protected areas for 10 minutes following an alert, as air raid sirens echoed through the town.
If attributed to the Houthis, this attack would mark one of the deadliest to date, with previous Houthi strikes on Israeli soil causing casualties.
Eilat, a popular tourist destination, has experienced other drone assaults, including a recent attack on its hotel area, with no casualties reported. Earlier in September, a Houthi drone injured one person near Ramon Airport, just north of Eilat.
The Houthi rebels have escalated their missile and drone launches towards Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict, presenting their actions as supportive measures for the Palestinians. This uptick in violence coincides with retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, including significant strikes on Sanaa.
Despite the turmoil, the Houthis remain a non-recognized governmental entity exerting control over northern Yemen, while Israel continues to respond forcefully to perceived threats.
