Sana’a – Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, early Friday have left 8 people dead and 142 injured, marking the deadliest escalation since the recent surge in hostilities between Israel and the Houthi rebels.

The strikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas including Al-Sabeen Square, Bab al-Yemen, Dahban Power Station, Al-Raqas neighborhood, and the districts of Hadda and Al-Nahdain, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and residential buildings.

The Houthi-run Ministry of Health confirmed that several of the wounded are in critical condition, as emergency teams struggle to respond amid severe shortages in medical supplies.

The Israeli military stated the operation was a direct response to the Houthi drone attack on Eilat, which injured 50 people, adding that the airstrikes aimed at “strategic command and military assets” in central Sana’a.