July 7, 2025, Israel strikes: Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen. Houthis responded with missiles at Israel. This came after an attack on the Liberian-flagged ship Magic Seas in the Red Sea on Sunday. The ship is Greek-owned. According to Siasat, a fire broke out on the ship and as it filled with water the crew abandoned the ship.
There are suspicions that the Houthis attacked the Magic Seas. According to Ambrey, the ship was first attacked with gunfire and rocket grenades. Then they dropped bombs with drone boats. This is the Houthi style of attack. Although the Houthis reported on the attack, they haven’t officially admitted to it. It may take them days to own up to it.
Israel targeted the ports of Hodeida, Ras Isa, Salif and the Ras Kanatib power plant. Israel said these areas are used by the Houthis to receive weapons from Iran. The weapons are used to attack Israel. Israel attacked with F-16 fighter jets. Before the attack they issued warnings in those areas.
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Israel also targeted a ship called Galaxy Leader. The Houthis seized this ship in November 2023. Israel said a radar system was installed on this ship to monitor vessels in the Red Sea. The radar is helping the Houthis to attack. The ship is flagged under the Bahamas and is owned by an Israeli billionaire.
The Houthis noticed the attacks but didn’t mention any damage. Their military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said their air defense systems repelled the Israeli attacks. But no evidence was provided. The Houthis attacked Israel with two missiles. Israel tried to intercept them but the missiles reportedly hit their target. They said there were no casualties.
The Magic Seas ship is heading to the Suez Canal in Egypt in the Red Sea, 100 km from where the attack happened. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center, there is an armed security team on the ship. Initially they attacked with gunfire and rocket grenades. Later they dropped bombs with drone boats. Two drone boats collided with the ship, two were destroyed by the security team.
Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister of the ousted Yemeni government, said the Houthis are behind the Magic Seas attack. He said it’s part of Iran’s plan and Iran is providing the Houthis with weapons, drones and missiles. He said these attacks are destabilizing the region and the world. Magic Seas owners are silent on this attack.
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Defense Minister Israel Katz warned more attacks will come. “What happens to Iran will happen to Yemen.” “We will cut off the hands of those who raise their hands against Israel,” he said. He said the Houthis will pay a price for these attacks. Israel did a naval raid in June. In April 74 people died in an American attack.
The Houthis said they are doing these attacks in solidarity with Hamas against Israel in Gaza. They are attacking ships in the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping. Because of these attacks ships have to go around Africa. They said the Houthis are targeting ships of Israel, America and Britain.
This is happening at a time of tension in the Middle East. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire is uncertain. Iran is considering to resume talks on its nuclear program. American attacks damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities. Now the Houthi attacks have resumed.
After the Hamas-Israel ceasefire in January the Houthis stopped their attacks. But after the US attacked Yemen on March 15 they resumed again. In these attacks 300 people died. The Houthis said their air defense systems shot down Israeli planes. But they didn’t provide information about the damage.
These attacks show how the Houthis have grown with Iranian support. They are attacking with ballistic missiles and drones. Israel is taking these attacks very seriously. This is escalating the situation in the Middle East.
Sai Pallu is an entertainment writer based in the USA, contributing to Brief News with engaging content on film, TV, and celebrity culture. With two years of experience at the Times of India, she honed her skills in delivering insightful stories. Her work blends sharp analysis with a passion for storytelling, captivating readers with fresh perspectives.