Saudi Cleric Calls for Defense Against Houthi Rebels Amid Escalating Attacks

Saudi Arabia's top cleric has issued a rare statement urging troops to defend against neighboring Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan, who typically avoids weighing in on politics, called on soldiers to be prepared to defend the kingdom from aggression and punish those who harm its territory.

The statement was carried by the Saudi Press Agency late Thursday, amid escalating attacks on Saudi oil facilities, cities, and ships off its coast. Al-Fawzan addressed his message to soldiers defending the kingdom's borders and members of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen.

Meanwhile, Israel's military reported that two Israeli soldiers were killed in northern Gaza while inspecting an unexploded drone. The incident was described as a 'serious safety incident' by the military, which is investigating the cause.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate as fighting escalates between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces. Over 130,000 people have fled their homes, and fewer than 10% of health centers in affected areas are equipped to provide trauma care for wounded individuals.