A school in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, was significantly damaged after a ballistic missile warhead, fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen, partially intercepted by Israeli defenses, struck the building. Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen visited the site and estimated the damage at $11 million. He confirmed plans to demolish the collapsed Ramat Ef’al elementary school and rebuild it. In the meantime, students will be relocated to a nearby facility.
The missile, intercepted during an overnight strike, caused sirens to sound across central Israel, sending millions of residents to bomb shelters. While no injuries were reported, the strike damaged parked cars and nearby infrastructure. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later clarified that the missile’s warhead likely hit the school after a partial interception.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who visited the site, assured parents and students that schooling would resume soon. The city has another recently built facility that can accommodate the displaced students. Psychological support services have also been arranged for affected families.
The missile launch occurred as Israel Air Force jets conducted preplanned strikes on Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled ports and the capital Sana’a. These operations aimed to disrupt weapon shipments from Iran to the Houthis. Minister Kisch praised the IDF’s swift response, emphasizing that Israel’s long reach ensures accountability for any attacks against the nation.
Locals expressed relief that the strike occurred at night when the school was empty.
The Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israel over the past year, firing more than 200 missiles and 170 drones in what they claim is support for Gaza. Israel’s continued defense efforts aim to counter these ongoing threats effectively.
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