New Delhi, May 5 -- Israeli warplanes struck Yemen's western port city of Hodeida on Monday (May 5), a day after Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching a missile that landed near Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's main aviation hub.

The Israeli strike marks a significant escalation in a months-long standoff between Israel and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement.

An Israeli official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, confirmed the airstrikes in Yemen, including hits on Hodeida port and Bajil district. The Huthi-run Al-Masirah television described the raids as "US-Israeli aggression," reporting six airstrikes on Hodeida and additional hits in Bajil.

On Sunday, Houthi forces said they launched a "hypersonic ba...