World Desk

Senior members of Israel’s Cabinet were expected to convene Sunday to decide whether to broaden the country’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, amid preparations for a larger offensive that include summoning thousands of reservists, according to Israeli officials.

On the same day, air traffic at Israel’s primary airport was temporarily suspended after a missile fired by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen triggered alerts, police said. The military confirmed a projectile had landed near the airport, though it was unclear whether it was the missile itself or debris from an interceptor launched by Israel’s defense system.

The move to intensify operations in Gaza comes over a year and a half into the war, as the humanitarian situation in the enclave grows increasingly dire.In an effort to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a ceasefire on Israel’s terms, the Israeli government halted the flow of goods into Gaza in early March. That decision has contributed to what aid groups say is the territory’s worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict began, affecting its population of 2.3 million.A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas that had lasted eight weeks collapsed in March. Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, taking control of parts of Gaza and causing heavy casualties. Local health officials report that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since then. At least six Israeli soldiers have also died during this renewed phase of fighting.

One Israeli official said the security Cabinet would meet Sunday evening to vote on escalating the operation, while a military source confirmed that thousands of reserve troops were being called up. Both officials spoke anonymously, as required by protocol.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, speaking to Israeli Army Radio, voiced his support for a broader campaign. “We need to increase the intensity and continue until we achieve total victory. We must win a total victory,” he said, without offering specifics.

The Gaza war has continued to draw regional attacks against Israel, including Sunday's missile strike from Yemen by Houthi rebels, which activated sirens across several regions. Police confirmed debris had landed along Israel’s coast, though it remained unclear whether it came from the original missile or an interceptor.

Footage shared by Israeli media showed smoke billowing near the airport, as travelers screamed and scrambled for cover. Authorities did not immediately confirm whether the projectile landed within the airport grounds but said access to the area had been restricted as they assessed the situation.