In a rare moment of shared emotion, scenes of celebration and tearful gratitude unfolded on both sides of the divide. In Tel Aviv, families of hostages held by Hamas hugged and wept as news emerged that the first group of captives may be released as early as Saturday. Meanwhile, in Gaza City, residents flooded the streets to welcome the quiet after years of airstrikes and displacement.

“This is the first good night we’ve had in months,” said Amal Khattab, a mother of three in Gaza. “We’re praying it’s not just another pause, but the beginning of real peace.”

The ceasefire is part of the first phase of a broader plan that includes humanitarian aid corridors, hostage releases, and preparations for more comprehensive negotiations in the coming months.

Israeli officials confirmed that elderly and female hostages are expected to be among those freed on Saturday, pending security verifications. In return, Israel has agreed to ease restrictions on fuel and medical supplies entering Gaza.

“We have not forgotten the pain,” said Yossi Avraham, whose daughter has been held captive since 2023. “But today, there is a reason to hope again.”

International Support

The White House praised the development as a “critical first step” and confirmed that U.S. diplomats remain actively involved in facilitating ongoing talks.

Still, challenges remain. Hardline elements on both sides have criticized the deal, and previous ceasefires have collapsed under pressure. But for now, the guns have gone silent and for many families, that is reason enough to rejoice.

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.

The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility, saying the attack was in support of Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged a response, stating in a video message that Israel had struck before and would do so again.

Police officials displayed the crater created by the missile, which landed near a road near the Terminal 3 parking area. The airport is situated near Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s major cities. A senior police officer described the crater as several meters wide and deep, though no major structural damage was reported.

Israeli news outlets reported that Netanyahu was set to meet with top security and defense officials later to discuss how to respond.

While Israel’s air defenses have intercepted most of the projectiles fired from Yemen, this missile was among the few to make it through. A drone strike from Yemen previously hit Tel Aviv last year. The Israeli military said it detected the launch at around 9:18 a.m. local time and attempted several interceptions before confirming the missile struck near the airport.

Footage captured by bystanders showed smoke rising behind airport buildings and grounded aircraft, while photos showed debris scattered across a nearby road. Emergency services reported that eight individuals were treated for minor to moderate injuries.

A spokesperson for the Houthi military declared that the airport was no longer safe for air travel. In response, some airlines—among them Lufthansa, Delta, ITA Airways, and Air France—canceled upcoming flights to and from Tel Aviv, citing safety concerns.

Airport authorities later confirmed that normal flight operations had resumed after brief disruptions to air traffic and access routes.

The missile strike coincided with reports that Israeli officials were nearing approval for expanding military activity in Gaza. The renewed assault on Gaza began in March after a temporary ceasefire ended, prompting a rise in attacks from the Houthis.

International efforts to restore a ceasefire have seen limited progress. In March, former U.S. President Donald Trump authorized extensive airstrikes against Houthi targets, aiming to curb their operations and protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These airstrikes have reportedly caused significant casualties in Yemen.

The Houthis began targeting Israeli territory and Red Sea maritime routes in late 2023, shortly after war broke out between Israel and Hamas. The conflict began following deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage. In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to over 52,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.