Israeli army intercepts Houthi missile that triggered sirens: statement

JERUSALEM, May 9 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Friday it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, triggering air raid sirens in central Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the alerts were activated in accordance with standard procedures. A Xinhua reporter in Tel Aviv confirmed hearing the sirens.

Residents received an early warning via mobile phone notifications several minutes before the sirens sounded, warning of a long-range missile threat.

Israeli media reported that since March 18, when the IDF resumed its operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yemen's Houthi movement has fired about 28 ballistic missiles and dozens of drones toward Israel.

The Houthi attacks came days after the Israeli Air Forces severely damaged Houthi-held Sanaa International Airport and Hodeidah port on the Red Sea in a series of deadly airstrikes.

On Tuesday, the United States and Houthis agreed to an Oman-mediated deal to cease trading attacks after weeks of air strikes.

However, the Houthi group claimed it will continue launching attacks against Israel until Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and lifts the blockade against Palestinians. ■