• Israel's military intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen on March 20 amid rising tensions.
• Sirens were activated in major cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, but no casualties were reported.
• The Houthis vowed to escalate attacks against Israel in retaliation for renewed airstrikes in Gaza.

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel's military reported that it intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen on March 20. This incident occurred amidst an atmosphere heightened by U.S. military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, as well as threats from U.S. President Donald Trump towards Iran for its alleged support of these militants. Warning sirens were triggered in various Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with no injuries reported following the interceptions, according to Israeli emergency services.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for these missile launches, with their spokesperson stating the missile was targeted at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. This marked their second attack against Israel in recent days, following a period of renewed air assaults by Israel in Gaza that have reportedly resulted in significant casualties. A unique aspect of this missile was that it was identified as a hypersonic ballistic missile named Palestine-2, which the Houthis stated they successfully launched.

The attacks have intensified as the Houthis, aligned with groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, proclaimed they aimed to target Israeli interests in retaliation for the ongoing military actions being taken in Gaza. Reports indicate that the Houthis have executed over 100 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since the onset of Israel's conflict with Hamas in late 2023, asserting that these actions are expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. These military developments also coincide with a projected U.S. military response to these provocations, leading to a multi-pronged conflict involving global logistics disruptions and international tensions.

The complex dynamics of this conflict, characterized as part of the “Axis of Resistance,” have raised concerns among observers regarding the potential for further escalation. Both U.S. and regional actors continue to watch the situation closely, highlighting the precarious balance of power in the Middle East.

For further details on this evolving story, refer to Al Jazeera, BBC, and South China Morning Post.