Israeli Airstrikes on Yemen Leave 46 Dead, Historic Museum Damaged

Yemen’s Houthi-run Health Ministry said Thursday that Israeli airstrikes a day earlier killed 46 people and wounded 165, in one of the deadliest escalations since fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed group spread from the Gaza war.

The strikes hit the capital Sanaa and the northern province of Al-Jawf, targeting a military headquarters and a fuel station, according to Houthi officials. Most casualties were reported in Sanaa.

The Houthi Culture Ministry said the raids also damaged Yemen’s national museum and other historic sites in the capital, leaving thousands of artifacts at risk. Photos and video from the Associated Press showed damage to the museum’s facade. The ministry urged UNESCO to condemn the attack and help protect Yemen’s cultural heritage.

Israel said the strikes were retaliation for Houthi attacks, including missile and drone launches toward Israeli territory. Earlier Thursday, Israel’s military reported intercepting a missile and a drone fired from Yemen, operations later claimed by the Houthis.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, say their attacks—including missile launches at Israel and strikes on Red Sea vessels—are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with repeated bombardments of Houthi-held territory, including a deadly August 30 strike in Sanaa that killed the Houthis’ prime minister and several ministers.