Saudi Airports Attacked as Middle East Tensions Escalate

Saudi Arabia reported that two of its airports were attacked on Monday, resulting in three injuries. The airports in Najran and Jizan sustained damage, though the kingdom did not confirm responsibility. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, stating they targeted the facilities to disrupt air traffic. The Houthis also alleged an attack on Abha International Airport, which could not be verified.

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has persisted for nearly three years, with the latest escalation involving missile and drone strikes. Saudi-led forces are engaged in a military campaign to reclaim Houthi-controlled territory near the Red Sea to secure oil export routes.

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed two people and injured at least one other. The Israeli military claimed the strikes targeted militants in densely populated areas. Since a ceasefire took effect nearly a year ago, over 1,460 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a potential Hamas attack ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. He asserted that Hamas, weakened by recent conflicts, might attempt to influence the election outcome. Netanyahu’s opponents have criticized his government’s handling of security threats, citing recent incidents like the thwarted FlyDubai cockpit attack.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities demolished a five-story building in east Jerusalem, displacing residents. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that over 10,000 structures built without permits have been demolished in the past year and a half. Palestinians argue that obtaining construction permits in east Jerusalem is nearly impossible.