The missile, believed to have been fired by Houthi forces, was detected and neutralized before it could reach Israeli territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). No injuries or damage were reported.

The incident marks the latest in a series of long-range missile and drone attacks launched from Yemen since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023. The Iran-backed Houthis, who control large portions of northern and western Yemen, have declared solidarity with Hamas and have increasingly targeted Israel and Red Sea maritime traffic.

“A missile launched from the area of Yemen was detected and successfully intercepted by air defense systems,” the IDF said in a brief statement.

Houthi Threats Disrupt Regional Stability

The Houthi attacks have expanded the scope of the conflict far beyond Gaza, creating new security concerns for Israel and disrupting international trade. The Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, has seen repeated disruptions due to missile and drone strikes on commercial vessels, prompting some shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa.

The U.S. and its allies have increased naval patrols in the region and have previously carried out strikes against Houthi missile sites in Yemen in an effort to deter further attacks.

Wednesday’s missile launch is another reminder of the broader regional risks surrounding the Israel-Gaza war, which has increasingly drawn in actors from across the Middle East.

Iran’s state-run news agency denied claims that Iran fired missiles at Israel following the start of the ceasefire, calling such reports “false.” The denial comes in response to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which stated that two missiles were launched from Iranian territory after the ceasefire went into effect, triggering air raid sirens in northern Israel.

Local residents in the region reported hearing interceptions, though no immediate casualties or damage were confirmed.

Elsewhere, Iran’s semi-official media reported that a senior commander of the Basij paramilitary force was killed in an earlier Israeli airstrike a development that could further inflame tensions.

Despite the volatility, European Commission President Kaja Kallas said today that the fragile ceasefire should serve as an opportunity to return to negotiations. “The ceasefire, though fragile, is a necessary first step toward diplomatic dialogue,” she said.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped broker the ceasefire, also weighed in. Speaking at a press event, Trump said he opposes regime change in Iran, warning that such actions would lead to “chaos.” He reiterated that diplomacy, not escalation, should guide the next steps.

The ceasefire was declared less than 24 hours ago, following nearly two weeks of military exchanges between Israel and Iran. International observers are closely watching to see if the agreement holds.